Local soldiers will soon gain more visibility and recognition in Jim Thorpe thanks to a Hometown Heroes banner project.

Spearheaded by the Jim Thorpe Lions Club, the initiative will see individual banners placed around the borough honoring area men and women who have served or are serving their country."It's a living memorial to those soldiers from our area," said Jim Trainer, of the Jim Thorpe Lions Club."It's a nonpolitical, nonpartisan project. Each individual banner will be unique and include the soldier's photo, branch of service, era of service and hometown."With the project in its infancy, the Lions Club is looking for both soldiers to be featured on the banners and people or groups to be sponsors.Each banner will cost $210, which includes a 24-by-48-inch banner, attachment hardware and installation."Any soldier whether acting, living or deceased is eligible to be on a banner," Trainer said. "We'll be taking orders over the next few months, but the banners will be available on a first-come, first-served basis."Banners will honor men and women who served in World War I, World War II, the Korea conflict era, Vietnam era, Cold War, Persian Gulf and the Global War on Terror.A similar endeavor was done in nearby Beaver Meadows and Tamaqua.Anyone interested can pick up a form at the borough office, Mauch Chunk Pharmacy, Carbon County Veterans Affairs office, or from any Jim Thorpe Lions Club member.The forms must be filled out and returned with a photo of the soldier and payment.Checks should be made payable to:Jim Thorpe Lions Club Hometown Heroes ProgramC/O James Trainer921 Oak St.Jim Thorpe, PA 18229Contact Trainer, 570-325-4104; or Sandra Gallagher, 570-325-2206 with any questions.