Deb Malewski
Contributing Writer
(Deb Malewski/TCJ – The Charlotte banners honor veterans, living or deceased, and will be given to families once the banners are removed. Organizers are hoping this will be an annual commemoration.)
Patriotism is taking on a visible new form in downtown Charlotte as the community looks ahead to America’s 250th anniversary.
The Charlotte Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is honoring local veterans by displaying commemorative banners on streetlight poles throughout the downtown district.
This year’s inaugural display features 28 banners honoring local veterans from a variety of military branches and eras of service.
Each banner displays the veteran’s photograph, name, branch of military service, and sponsor, creating a colorful tribute along South Cochran Avenue.
The banners will remain on display throughout the summer before being presented to the veterans or their families at the end of the season.
“It’s a great way for the city and the DDA to celebrate our military veterans,” said John Laupp, chairperson of the Charlotte DDA and a downtown business owner.
The Veterans Banner Program was spearheaded by veteran and Eagle Fit owner Natalia Clough, who coordinated the effort from start to finish.
The Charlotte Department of Public Works installed the banners, while the DDA provided support for the program. Clough also launched a similar Veterans Banner Program in Grand Ledge last year.
“We would like to see the Veterans Banner Program become an annual tradition here in Charlotte,” Laupp said.
“The banners this year were sponsored by local businesses and veterans’ families,” he added. “When the banners are taken down later this summer, each honored veteran or their family will receive the banner as a keepsake.”
When this year’s banners are removed, South Cochran Avenue will have space for 28 new veterans to be honored in the summer of 2027.
The DDA also hopes to add additional banner locations for the 2027 program.
“This is the first year we’ve done this, and there were a few bumps along the way,” said Laupp. “But we think we’ve worked through most of the challenges and look forward to making the program even better in the future.”
Participation is available on a first-come, first-served basis through an application process.
The sponsorship fee covers the cost of producing the banner. Veterans may be living or deceased, but they or their family must have a connection to the Charlotte community.
All applications are reviewed to verify military service.
Applications for the summer 2027 banner program are expected to open in early 2027.
Additional information will be announced as the application period approaches.
Wendy Cornish, of Oriole Nutrition, sponsored a banner to honor her husband, Sgt. Dwayne Cornish, United States Marine Corps. “Seeing his banner hanging proudly among so many local heroes is something I can hardly put into words,” Cornish said.
“His service to his country is something I have always admired, and today I’m incredibly proud to see that service recognized publicly.”
“As a Navy veteran of the mid-to-late 1960s, I think it’s terrific that Charlotte is honoring the men and women who have served their country,” Rod Weaver of Charlotte said.
For more information about the Veterans Banner Program, contact Laupp at (517) 672-2497.
