As Memorial Day approaches, our Hometown Heroes Banner Project is coming to life across Port Washington. Ken Kraft, who has spearheaded this project on behalf of the VFW, along with Home Run Electric, has been busy installing banners throughout our beautiful town. These banners honor the brave men and women from our community who have served our nation — and they are already stirring deep emotions among residents.

One resident shared:
“I drove down Main Street last night to find my Dad’s banner and was so thrilled to see that he’s right in front of P.A.L., which is, coincidentally, where we would sit every year to watch him march with the Marines in Port’s Memorial Day Parade! The photo I submitted of him was taken in that exact spot! It’s absolutely PERFECT! Thank you so much for spearheading this program and for everyone’s help who was involved. It means so much to me and my family, and I know my Dad would’ve been so proud to see his banner displayed!”

Another resident wrote:
“The banners are the talk of the town! I went at 7 this morning — crying. Hank and Bucky next to him. My God, my father worked with Bucky and Hank was in our wedding party. Today is my grandparents’ wedding anniversary! They lived on Bernard St. My grandson Nicolas made his Communion today. Emotional day for the Murros. Also — Gordon Reynolds near Irma. Wow. Bronnie and I took the train with him. Crazy man. He would scream like a lunatic at the subway so everybody jumped out of the way and he could get on — LOL. What an amazing thing you did, Kenny Kraft. Stand tall and proud today!”

Check out some of the photos of the banners, including one of our former Commander, John Chalker, and many others.

Please note: The Hometown Heroes Banner Project is closed for this year, but we will reopen applications in January 2026 for Memorial Day 2026. Stay tuned for more information.