On November 11 at 11:00 a.m. veterans from throughout Fontana gathered at 17255 Merrill Avenue in the "Avenue of Veterans" to pay their appreciation to those who have died for our freedom. They watched the Kaiser High School ROTC color guard, listened to student essays of "What Veterans Day Means to Me" and placed a wreath at the base of the memorial. How fitting that also in November a new Military Banner Recognition Program was be unveiled by the City of Fontana, American Legion Post 262, and the Fontana Chamber of unveiled by the City of Fontana, American Legion Post 262, and the Fontana Chamber of Commerce.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of men and women volunteer their lives by enlisting in a number of service branches. The Military Banner Recognition Program is a way for the city and business community to recognize these brave Americans from Fontana.

"The Military Banner Program is a wonderful collaboration of the City of Fontana, American Legion Post 262, and the Fontana Chamber of Commerce," says Everett Thompson, Chairman of the Board of the Fontana Chamber of Commerce.

"The program is designed to support, recognize, and express appreciation to the individuals and families who have loved ones serving in the United States Military. The Chamber is very proud to be asked to take part in this great program. The City has really provided a lot of support from the City Council, Mayor's Office, and the deputy city manager, David Edgar."

Thompson adds, "It is a great pleasure to see this program initiated and we believe it will be very successful."

By displaying the names of those who are currently serving overseas or who have given their lives for fellow Americans, the community has found a way to show its' appreciation.

The banners will be hung throughout the community on a major thoroughfare until the service member returns from active duty, all military actions cease, or as deemed appropriate by the city. The approximate size is 18" by 36" and will display the name of the individual, the branch of service, and a blue star. Those who have sacrificed their lives will exhibit a gold star.

The Military Banner Recognition program will be paid for through donations from businesses and individuals. The following donor categories are available:

• General Donor $1 to $299
• Banner Donor $300 Donor Name on Banner/Website
• Business Donor $500 Business Name on Banner/Website
• Corporate Donor $750 Corporation Name on Banner/Website
• Organization Donor $1,000 Organization Name on Banner/Website
• Freedom Donor $2,000 & Up Lifetime Program Member/Website

Those interested in having a loved one's name displayed on a banner must submit a completed military banner recognition application to the American Legion Post 262. The authenticity of the applicant name and branch of service will be verified by the Legionnaires. Once completed, the banner will be ordered and the display location will be decided upon by the City of Fontana.

"Seeing that banner prominently displayed will give the families a sense of pride and may help them get through the day-to-day," states Laura Van Sciver, community services coordinator and wife of a First Sergeant in the United States Army who has served in Haiti, Bosnia, and Iraq.

"Knowing that you live in a community that supports your loved one as they are overseas or expresses empathy for your loss not only offers reassurance, it is something families think about as they prepare to retire. It says this community has a heart and you will always be appreciated in Fontana," said Van Sciver.

The Military Banner Recognition Program is designed to support, recognize and express appreciation to individuals and their family members by residents, organizations or business owners of Fontana.

To find out more or to make a donation, please contact the Fontana Area Chamber of Commerce at (909) 822-4433, or visit the offices at 8491 Sierra Avenue. Payments may be made with check, Visa, Master Card, or cash. A program outline is available at www.fontanachamber.com.

Applications for service members should be submitted to the American Legion Post 262, 15840 Foothill Boulevard, Fontana, CA 92335, by email at adjutant@calegionpost262.org or online with the American Legion Post 262 at www.calegionpost262.org. Faxed applications will also be accepted at the Fontana Economic Development Corporation at (909) 350-6616.