Members of American Legion Post 927 in Gilbert, Chestnuthill Township and Western Pocono Women’s Club unveiled the Banners for the Military Project during the Legion’s solemn ceremony honoring Memorial Day and those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“The Banners for the Military Project is like a story with a beginning, middle and end,” Vicki Connor, of the Western Pocono Women’s Club, told the large crowd gathered Monday morning inside the Legion.

Photos of each banner, with the person’s name and other information, were on the screen behind her.

She and her husband were driving and saw many military banners displayed in towns they had traveled through.

“We thought it was a wonderful tribute to, and recognition of, our service members. This is something near and dear to us because both our fathers were in the Army and proudly served our country,” Connor said.

She had read about Middle Smithfield Township having the military banners, and contacted them for more information. She then contacted Chestnuthill Township supervisors, who said they were interested but wanted to wait until the completion of the two roundabouts in Brodheadsville. She also proposed the idea to the women’s club, and from there it started to become a reality.

The club donated $3,000 to the project for the hardware, families purchased their loved ones’ banners for about $105 per banner, Chestnuthill installed the banners and managed the project, and the Legion was also instrumental in the project.

“The middle of the story is today. We are here to celebrate the first round of banners that honor our military,” she said. “I look forward to the end of the story when in the future we can honor many more of our local military and the service they have made for our country.”

Chuck Gould, Chestnuthill Township supervisor, then addressed the crowd about the significance of the banner project and the meaning of Memorial Day.

“This project is a meaningful way to remember them,” he said. “From the first moment we heard about this initiative, we knew it was something special.”

He called this day a solemn time to reflect on the sacrifices made.

Post Commander Everett Shaver shared the history of Memorial Day’s celebration and stories about men and women who died while defending our freedom.

“As proud Americans, we should all remember our freedom is not free,” he said. “Some have paid the highest price: their life. We honor them at ceremonies in towns all across our country today.”

Memorial Day began as Decoration Day in 1868 and proclaimed as a holiday by John A. Logan, commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, to honor the Union soldiers who had died in the American Civil War. In 1968, Congress changed its observance to the last Monday in May, and in 1971 standardized its name as Memorial Day.

The post honored 25 members who died in the last 12 months. Their names were on the screen in the front and read individually near the end of the ceremony.

Legion member Les Sharp then read the poem “In Flanders Field” by John McCrae. The vibrant red flowers bloomed in the European battlefields, and the flower has become the symbol of remembrance, resilience and hope for the fallen soldier.

At the conclusion of the indoor ceremony, everyone was invited outside for the placement of the wreath, playing of taps, gun salutes and raising of the flags.

Light refreshments were available inside afterward, and many gathered at the tables to talk and share stories of their loved ones.

“We come every year. It is a very nice ceremony,” said Donna Coleman, a member of the Western Pocono Women’s Club and whose husband, Bob, is a veteran.