Pine unveils military banners during Memorial Day event

Pine proudly unveiled its new military banner program during a heartfelt Memorial Day ceremony held at the Veterans Memorial in the heart of Old Wexford.

The event was attended by community members, local veterans and families who gathered to honor and remember those who have served our country.

The ceremony began with a solemn tribute to fallen soldiers. The event featured a wreath-laying ceremony, a moment of silence and the playing of the national anthem, as Pine employee and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Jonathan Hoburg and his family presented the colors.

The highlight was the unveiling of the military banner program, an initiative aimed at recognizing and celebrating Pine residents who have served or are now serving in the armed forces.

The program allows families to nominate a banner featuring their loved one’s name, rank, branch of service and a photo. Local businesses from around the area are also able to sponsor a recipient. The banners will be displayed along Route 910 and Church Road in Pine from Memorial Day through Veterans Day each year.

“Today, we come together as a community to honor the selfless service and sacrifice of our military heroes,” Audrey Mackie, who chairs the township board of supervisors, said at the ceremony. “The military banner program is our way of showing our appreciation and ensuring that their legacy lives on in our township. The program is designed to be sustainable and grow.”

Applications to sponsor a banner opened this year in March. Township planner Kirsten Primm remarked that the township received a large number of submissions for the 2024-25 display period. The next round of applications will open in December 2025.

Families interested in sponsoring a banner for their loved one in upcoming campaigns can find more information and application forms on the Pine website or by visiting the township office.

“Freedom in our country doesn’t come for free. It is an honor to be part of a township that recognizes and honors all our veterans and their families that are directly responsible for that freedom,” Supervisor Pat Avolio said after the Memorial Day event. “We look forward to more programming in the future that lets these heroes know that we appreciate them. Thank you, veterans, from all of us in Pine Township.”