Faces of heroism: Banners in Lee’s Summit allow citizens to honor those in military

Looking forward to a visit to downtown Lee’s Summit for dining, shopping or other errands? If so, take a moment to look up and check out the 2024 Hometown Hero Banners. The banners, set to go up next week, are sponsored by the Lee’s Summit Chamber, along with support from local businesses and organizations.

“This is a great way to show our appreciation to those who have signed up to defend our country,” said Matt Baird, Chamber president. “Having 20 banners displayed in downtown Lee’s Summit of true heroes is very special and brings just another unique and amazing look to our downtown community.”

The program launched in 2023 and is overseen by the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee. The banners feature both active-duty members of the military and veterans.

The banners, which are displayed mid-September through October, are mostly located on Third Street in downtown Lee’s Summit. One can be found at the corner of Douglas and Fourth streets, by the Lee’s Summit Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5789 building.

An important aspect of the program is “the visibility of the sponsoring businesses showing support to veterans and promoting their own business to the more than 6,600 cars a day that travel through Downtown Lee’s Summit on Third Street,” Baird said.

Since the banners are on display during the Chamber’s annual Oktoberfest, scheduled for Sept. 27-29 this year, around 120,000 visitors to downtown during this weekend event will also have the opportunity to view the tribute to the local heroes.

In addition to the banners, the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce hosts a Veterans Day luncheon, scheduled for Nov. 15 this year. Although the event is for Chamber members only, the individuals highlighted on the banners and their families are invited to attend and be recognized during the lunch. A keynote address focusing on Veterans Day and the U.S. military is also a feature of the event.

At the conclusion of the November luncheon, each banner is presented to the family of the honored military member or to the sponsoring organization.

Through the program, sponsorships pay for the banners, while also providing support to men and women currently serving.

“Part of the proceeds from the banners goes to Welcome Bags for all incoming airmen at Whiteman Air Force Base,” Baird said. “The bags are loaded with gift cards, coupons, etc., promoting nothing but Lee’s Summit restaurants, shops, entertainment venues. It’s a win-win for both Lee’s Summit and Whiteman Air Force Base.”

Banner sponsorship applications recently opened for the 2025 program, priced at $500 per banner. Each sponsoring business or organization is featured on the bottom of the banner and within social media highlights throughout September and October.

“Our hope is this will be an every year program but it can only work if the entire community is supporting it,” Baird said.

For more information about sponsoring a banner in 2025, contact Matt Baird at mbaird@lschamber.com.