Longport will continue to honor veterans through is banner program.
Volunteers first put up the banners last year to honor those who served their nation, led by American Legion Auxiliary President Dolores Wilson and her husband, Joe.
With the support of Mayor Patrick Armstrong and the Board of Commissioners, 30 banners were erected on utility poles along Atlantic Avenue.
Armstrong said he got the idea of erecting the banners after seeing them on utility poles in Egg Harbor Township during a golf outing and suggested replicating the program in Longport to Post Commander Larry Pacentrilli.
“When Mayor Pat approached me with the project, I told him it was a great idea … best implemented by the community,” Pacentrilli said.
The Longport Beach Patrol along with the Police and Fire departments contributed funding to make it happen.
Residents now are being asked to recommend a veteran for the honor this year.
The veteran must have resided in Longport for a period of time and/or be a current or past member of the American Legion Post.
The volunteers unveiled the first 10 banners during an information session held in Borough Hall last August.
The first veterans honored in 2025 are Thomas B. Reed, Sam Cianci, Andrew Funk Jr., Hugo Pacentrilli, Herb Stern, Thomas Schnepp, John Scott, Alberg Anzardo and William Kunik.
Margate also has posted banners along the promenade on Amherst Avenue.
From left: American Legion Post 469 Commander Larry Pacentrilli, Legion Auxiliary President Dolores Wilson, Longport Mayor Patrick Armstrong and John Reed.
To make a donation to the program or honor a veteran, contact Dolores Wilson by email or call 410-227-8059.
Submissions require a headshot of the veteran in uniform, along with rank, branch of service and years served. The banners will be erected before Memorial Day and stay up until after Veterans Day.