As Memorial Day approaches, Overton County residents can remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice through the Hometown Heroes program.
American Legion Post 4 Adjutant Norm Osburn said this is the second year for the banner program which honors war veterans killed in action. Photos are mounted on light poles.
“Well, it just brings to light people from the county who have been in the military and died, you know, giving us everything that we can do ourselves every day of the week,” Osburn said.
Osburn said, so far, the group has identified 17 soldiers. Osburn said the Chamber of Commerce has the paperwork needed to add a veteran to the collection. Osburn said there is no cost to the family.
Osburn said Overton County resident Don Burnett came up with this idea a few years ago after traveling the state.
“He noticed that around the town square there would be pictures of veterans on vinyl signs on light posts of the veterans of that county or that town,” Osburn said. “He thought it would be nice to start something in Livingston like that and that’s how it got going.”
Osburn said he believes the signs are a show of patriotism.
“Just, you know, that we take pride in our small town,” Osburn said. “I moved here a little over 20 years ago from upstate New York, and it seems like the south, to me, it seems like the south pays more attention to the history of their veterans.”
Osburn said the group is always looking for donations which can also be made at the Chamber.
Osburn said veterans of all wars are welcome. Osburn said the photos will also be mounted two weeks before Veterans Day and stay up for two weeks after.
