LONGPORT - The borough and supporters of its American Legion Post have announced they will continue to honor local veterans by erecting banners in their honor.
Last year, volunteers put up banners to honor those who served their nation. With the support of Mayor Patrick Armstrong and the Board of Commissioners, resident and American Legion Auxiliary President Dolores Wilson and her husband Joe took on the project, which included erecting 30 banners on utility poles along Atlantic Avenue.
They agreed to continue the program this year and are asking residents to recommend a veteran for the honor. To be honored, the veteran must have resided in Longport for a period of time and/or be a current or past member of the American Legion Post.
The volunteers unveiled the first 10 banners during an information session held in Borough Hall last August. The first veterans honored in 2025 are Thomas B. Reed, Sam Cianci, Andrew Funk Jr., Hugo Pacentrilli, Herb Stern, Thomas Schnepp, John Scott, Alberg Anzardo and William Kunik.
At the time, Armstrong said he got the idea of erecting the banners after seeing them on utility poles in Egg Harbor Township during a golf outing and suggested replicating the program in Longport to Post Commander Larry Pacentrilli.
Nearby Margate has also erected banners along the promenade on Amherst Avenue.
“When Mayor Pat approached me with the project, I told him it was a great idea…best implemented by the community,” Pacentrilli said.
The Longport Beach Patrol, along with the Police and Fire departments, jumped on board and contributed some funding to make it happen.
To make a donation to the program or honor a veteran, contact Dolores Wilson at [email protected] or call 410-227-8059.
Submissions require a headshot of the veteran in uniform, along with rank, branch of service and years served. The banners will be erected before Memorial Day and stay up until after Veterans Day.
