Paramus, New Jersey – [January 25, 2024] – The Borough of Paramus is proud to announce the launch of its Veteran Banner Program, an initiative aimed at honoring the service and sacrifice of its veteran community for operations dating back to the Second World War, through the Vietnam War, all the way up to the conflicts and humanitarian operations of the late 20^th and early 21^st centuries.

The program is an opportunity for Paramus residents to show their support and respect for those who have served in the military.

Banners will be on display at up to 173 locations, more if needed. They will be displayed starting at the Paramus Veteran’s Memorial Park on Midland Avenue and fan out from there along borough roads. The displays will turn the borough into a gallery of honor and appreciation set to run from shortly before Memorial Day, which lands on May 31^st this year, through Veterans Day on November 11th. If successful, the program will return for 2025 and beyond.

Applications are open to veterans and their family members. Sponsors may also submit applications on behalf of veterans. This inclusive approach will ensure that every vet’s service has an opportunity to be recognized, regardless of their current situation. All branches of service are welcome. This includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines.

Applications for display in 2024 are due by April 1st. To participate, download the application from the borough’s Office of Veteran’s Affairs webpage: https://www.paramusborough.org/262/Office-of-Veterans-Affairs

Completed applications should include a photo of the veteran and proof of service, such as a DD214 form. Applicants can submit their forms via email to plupo@paramusborough.org or by mail or hand delivery to:

ATTN: VETERAN BANNER

Paramus Borough

1 West Jockish Square

Paramus, NJ 07652

A $125 check, payable to the Borough of Paramus, should accompany the application. If applying via email, the check should be mailed separately or dropped off at the above address.

To Recap:

What: 2024 Paramus Veteran Banner Display Program

When:

·         Applications accepted until April 1st.

·         Banners will be on display from Memorial Day through Veterans Day, 2024.

·         If successful, the project will recur in future years.

Where: Banner displays will start at Paramus Veteran’s Memorial Park on Midland Avenue, and fan out from there along borough roads.

Who: Paramus veterans, or their family members or a sponsor

How:

·         Submit an application to: plupo@paramusborough.org

·         Applications can be found here: https://www.paramusborough.org/262/Office-of-Veterans-Affairs

·         Or mail to: ATTN: VETERAN BANNER, Paramus Borough, 1 West Jockish Square, Paramus, NJ 07652.

·         Submissions should include the completed application, DD214 or equivalent, a photo of the veteran and the application fee of $125.00.

Fee: $125 application fee per submission, checks payable to the Borough of Paramus

The Paramus program builds on a growing trend of similar displays throughout New Jersey. As a low-cost, low impact and heartfelt gesture, these programs rarely receive pushback from the community. It is likely that more and more towns will adopt similar programs in the future, expanding the trend further.

Paramus Mayor Christopher DiPiazza has given his full endorsement to the initiative and is excited to see them on display in the upcoming summer.

The program owes much of its success to Officer Cofone of the Paramus Police Department and his wife, Kaitlin, whose tireless efforts have been instrumental in transforming this from an idea into reality.

The Borough of Paramus invites all veteran in the community to participate so that the borough can show its respect and honor for their sacrifices.

For more information on the banner program, as well as for any other questions on veteran issues and concerns in the borough, please visit the Office of Veteran’s Affairs webpage: https://www.paramusborough.org/262/Office-of-Veterans-Affairs