Veterans from Franklin Square were honored during the Franklin Square Civic Association’s 7th annual Hometown Heroes banner dedication ceremony at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2718 on Lincoln Avenue.
The tradition that began in 2019 and has grown into a heartfelt tribute to local military service members and first responders. This year, 21 banners were displayed, including 17 rehangs and four new additions, each bearing the face and name of someone whose service left a lasting impact on a Franklin Square resident.
Primarily organized by Adrienne McKenna, an executive director of the FSCA, the Hometown Heroes program began after she and other members were inspired by similar displays in other towns.
The FSCA posted applications on its social media accounts and, after receiving responses from 26 families, launched it in time for Memorial Day in 2019.
Since then, the program has recognized veterans, firefighters, first responders, and even healthcare workers during the height of the pandemic.
“It’s important that we always recognize the military and what their contribution to our world has been,” McKenna said. “It’s nice to see that we’re honoring our hometown heroes.”
Banners are funded by families or sponsors and hang for two years, she explained, from just before Memorial Day through Veterans Day, before being returned or reinstalled upon request.
This year’s ceremony held particular meaning for residents like Ileana Carillo-Crane, who sponsored a banner for her father, Angelo Carillo, a World War II veteran.
“He was just 17 when he enlisted,” she Ileana recounted. “His four older brothers were already serving, and he didn’t want to be the only one left behind.”
Angelo was part of the original crew of the USS Midway and was honored with the title of “plank owner” by the Navy.
Ileana, tearing up, recalled how her father never sought recognition or medals for his service. She eventually contacted the Navy herself and secured his medals before he died in 2002.
Coincidentally, the banner ceremony this year fell on the anniversary of his death. “It had extraordinary meaning for our family,” she said.
Each banner represents a deeply personal story, often tied to generations of service and sacrifice. But the banners are also part of a broader community effort—organized, installed, and supported by local groups including the VFW Post 2718, which donates its fence space for banner displays and co-hosts the ceremony with the FSCA.
John McManamy, the building president from VFW Post 2718, reflected on the program’s evolution. He said the ceremony was originally hosted on Memorial Day, but they eventually changed it to Armed Forces Day—the third Saturday in May—to avoid conflicts with the Memorial Day parade, which is hosted by the VFW.
“It’s a fitting day,” McManamy said.
He added that the banners help raise awareness about the VFW’s presence and mission.
It shows the community that the VFW is an active organization, McKenna said. People come to see the banners, he explained, and realize it’s more than just a building.
“As a veteran, I appreciate that they remember us,” McManamy said. “Not just as faces walking down the street, but that they do honor us.”
McKenna said that the families who participate in the program show immense pride in the banners.
“I’ve dealt with the people who call for banners,” McKenna said. “They are quite excited about honoring their person, whether it be a father or spouse or whoever.”
Though the ceremony is once a year, the banners remain a visible tribute for months. For many, like the Carillo family, the experience is emotional and affirming.
“It was extraordinarily touching,” Ileana said. “It’s a beautiful thing.”
