Honoring Those Who Served

The Village of Carol Stream, in partnership with Carol Stream VFW Post 10396, is proud to honor those who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces.

The Carol Stream Military Honors Banner Program recognizes veterans and active-duty service members who have a connection to the Carol Stream community. Whether serving during times of war or peace, these individuals have made an important commitment to our country and helped protect the freedoms we value.

Selected honorees will be recognized with commemorative banners displayed on designated poles surrounding the Carol Stream Veterans Memorial from Memorial Day through Veterans Day.

The program is funded by the Village of Carol Stream, and there is no cost to the applicant.

Apply

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify, a service member must meet at least one of the following requirements:

• Currently reside in Carol Stream
• Have previously resided in Carol Stream
• Have an immediate family member who currently resides in Carol Stream

Both active-duty service members and honorably discharged veterans are eligible.

Each service member may be honored once through the program.

Banner Display

Six banners will be selected for display each year.

Banners will:

• Be installed approximately two weeks before Memorial Day
• Be displayed on designated poles surrounding the Carol Stream Veterans Memorial
• Remain on display through Veterans Day
• Be removed and returned to the honoree, family, or applicant following Veterans Day

Memorial Day Recognition

New banners will be unveiled as part of Carol Stream’s annual Memorial Day observance. Selected honorees and their families will receive additional information before the ceremony.

How to Apply

Applications may be submitted by the service member or by another individual on the service member’s behalf.

To apply, please provide:

• A completed application form, available here
• The service member’s full legal name without nicknames
• A high-resolution photograph of the service member in military uniform
• A signed photograph release
• Official proof of military service, such as:
• DD Form 214
• Military identification
• Discharge papers
• Active-duty orders

A high-resolution digital photograph should be clear, sharp, and preferably at least 1,500 × 2,100 pixels. Screenshots, social-media images, and blurry or heavily compressed photographs may not reproduce clearly on the banner.

Original printed photographs may be brought to the Village for digitization.

Application Review and Selection

Carol Stream VFW Post 10396 will review all applications and verify military service.

Six honorees will be selected each year, with preference given to veterans with the earliest period of service. If the number of eligible applications exceeds the available banners, applicants who are not selected will receive priority consideration during the following year’s selection process.

Submitting an application does not guarantee placement during the upcoming display period. Selection is based on eligibility, application completeness, selection priorities, and available space.

Application Deadline

Applications and all required documents must be submitted by February 1 each year. This allows sufficient time for service verification, banner production, and planning for the Memorial Day ceremony.

Incomplete applications may not be considered for the upcoming display period.

Apply Today!

Help Carol Stream honor the service and sacrifice of our community’s veterans and active-duty military members.

To apply or learn more, contact the Village of Carol Stream Administration Department at 630.871.6250