A couple of years ago, Bernie Ramirez was visiting Simi Valley and he saw these snappy looking banners all over town and asked what they were for.
When he heard that they on display for people currently in the military service, he thought that was a great idea.
So he came home to Hollister and asked the city council if he could put up banners around town, at no cost to the city. They said yes.
Once again this year, he and his crew are out putting new ones up and replacing the banners that are wearing out.
He says there are about 80 in downtown Hollister, representing 80 of our local men and women serving the country right now.
Even thought Ramirez doesn’t ask for it, families donate to the project as well because they appreciate the thoughtfulness and recognition.
When servicemen and women come home, the post has a dinner for them and take the banner down.
The members of VFW Post 9242 don’t charge for this service, instead, they fundraise year round to pay for the custom-made banners.
They have a golf tournament and a barbeque and other fundraisers to get those banners up in all the places you see them downtown.
“We don’t charge the families,” Ramirez said, “they’ve already given enough.”
LOCAL VETERAN’S DAY EVENTS
- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6359 has several events scheduled for the next week in celebration of Veteran’s Day.
- Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 9:00 a.m. Aromas School will host a veteran’s program and all veterans are welcome.
- Thursday, Nov. 9 at 8:30 a.m. San Juan School will have a veteran’s program for Post 6359
- Saturday, Nov. 11 at 9:00 a.m. There will be a post 6359 Veteran’s Day ceremony
- Saturday, Nov 11 at 11:11a.m. Post 6359 Auxiliary Veteran’s Day ceremony and refreshments
- Saturday, Nov. 11 at 1:00 p.m. Hollister Veteran’s Day Parade will be held in downtown Hollister
- Tuesday, Nov 14 Free Dinner for all veterans and their spouses at Hollister Elks Lodge
- For more information, contact Oscar Inocencio (831) 638-1411