FREE! AUGUST 2014 Vol. 11, Issue 2
messengerpaper.com SPORTS
AT AGE 86, ROSTRAVER MUSICIAN JOHN HUCHROWSKI KEEPS ROLLING ALONG (See page 46)
Donora Honors Troops by Implementing Military Banner Program By Christen M. Stroh
Union Twp. Girl Wins National Softball Award (Page 71) MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Elrama Community Day August 31 The 34th Annual Elrama Community Day will feature a Fireman's Parade on Sunday, August 31. Lineup begins at 11:30 a.m. and the parade starts at 12:15 p.m. Awards will be issued in the following categories: Heavy Engine; Medium Engine; Light Engine; Squad; Rescue; Aerial; Ambulance/QRS; Special Ops; Longest Distance; Judges Choice; and Company Choice.
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f you drive through downtown Donora, you may notice that the streets are lined with more displays of patriotism than they have in the past. You may even notice some familiar faces. Donora has become the latest community to implement the Military Banner Program, which has been taking the South Hills and surrounding communities by storm. The program honors veterans and military members currently serving by displaying the picture of each soldier sponsored and a tribute of when the individual served, and in what capacity, on a banner. The Military Banner Program originated in Castle Shannon, where Harry and Tammy Munson came up with the idea to honor their son. Other communities began to get on board, including Whitehall, South Park, Scott Twp., Carnegie, Bethel Park, and Bridgeville. In fact, 17 miles of Route 88 have banners honoring veterans in the various communities that have adopted the program. Donora native and businessman Gene Svrcek liked the program so much that he reached out to Donora Mayor John Lignelli and American Legion Post 212 commander Terry Gnora to determine the feasibility of bringing the program to Donora. After the borough and the American Legion were committed to making this a community project, Svrcek partnered with the Munsons and their design firm, HTM Designs, to design and create the banners. (See full story on page 31)
Those interested in the Military Banner Program can sponsor a banner to be hung in downtown Donora from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The banner includes the photo of the military member and a tribute.