The Town of Dedham Veterans Services Office in partnership with Dedham Stars & Stripes, a volunteer group of Dedham moms with strong ties to military service, is proud to announce the launch of the Dedham Hometown Heroes Banner Program, and is now accepting applications to sponsor a local veteran or active duty service member. (Sample banner shown below)

The Dedham Hometown Heroes Banner Program is a new community initiative, following the model that originated in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 2006, that will display banners honoring Dedham’s veterans and active service members on local streets and public spaces. Applications are now being accepted through April 27, 2026 for the first phase of banners that will be installed by Flag Day in June 2026. Applications are available on the Hometown Heroes Banner Program page and at Town Hall.

The program invites residents to nominate any U.S. military veteran or active/reserve service member who lives or has lived in Dedham as a long-term resident, including those who are deceased. Honorees will be commemorated with a banner displaying their name, photo, rank, branch of service, and years of service.

“This program has been a long time coming for Dedham, and we aim to hit the ground running with this first phase of banners”, said Dedham Veterans Services Officer Joe Hamilton to the Select Board at its February 26 public meeting. The Select Board expressed unanimous support and excitement for this new program and look forward to seeing its positive impact throughout the community.

How to Apply

Applicants should mail the following to the Dedham Veterans Service Office (450 Washington St, Dedham, MA 02026) in a single envelope:

• Completed application (all three pages)
  • Printed copies available at Town Hall; download copy from Town website
• Check for $147 made payable to Dedham Veterans Services (write “Hometown Heroes Banner” in the memo line)
  • Banner fee includes banner production, photo restoration, hardware, installation, and removal
• Copy of military verification (DD214 or Military ID)
• Email a high-resolution digital photo of the honoree (military uniform preferred, .jpg at 150dpi or higher) to dedhamstarsandstripes@gmail.com

Applications will be processed once all required materials are received and verified. Checks will not be deposited until military service information has been confirmed. The application deadline is April 27, 2026.

Application forms are available at the Dedham Veterans Service Office and Council on Aging, 450 Washington St, Dedham, MA 02026, and additional information about the program is available on the Town website at www.dedham-ma.gov/HometownHeroes. Those with questions can also contact Veterans Services Officer Joe Hamilton at 781-751-9267 and he will be happy to assist you.

Dedham’s Veterans Services Office

The Dedham Veterans Services Team advocates on behalf of veterans and their families, and offers assistance to those who have served in the United States Armed Forces who may also be entitled to receive benefits from federal, state, or local agencies. The Dedham Veterans Services Team will help to process applications, connect veterans with local resources, and answer questions about potential benefits available programs. The Dedham Veterans Services Team works tirelessly to honor and support those who have served this country.

Connect with us today! You can also visit: www.dedham-ma.gov/veterans for more information!

Don't forget to join us in the Ames Senior Center on the fourth Monday of each month at 10:30AM for Military Mondays. This free event is a great chance to connect with VSO Hamilton and other local veterans over coffee.

Dedham Stars and Stripes is a volunteer group of Dedham moms with deep personal ties to military service, including a veteran, military spouses, and daughters of veterans. Inspired by a desire to elevate hometown pride and recognition for those who served, the group developed the Dedham Hometown Heroes Program in close partnership with the Dedham Veterans Services Officer Joe Hamilton. The Dedham Stars and Stripes group will help to lead fundraising efforts to ensure the program's long-term success, with support from two Dedham High School students who will assist with digital photo prep and administrative needs.