To our valued supporters and participants:
2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. This conflict cost the world between 50 to 85 million souls, including over 400,000 Americans killed and another 670,000 wounded. 11,000 died in Japanese POW camps – more than 40% of all those captured. Captivity in one such camp began with what is known as the Bataan Death March, during which around 75,000 US and Filipino troops were force marched across the Bataan Peninsula under tortuous conditions. Only 54,000 reached the camp.
The 194th Tank Battalion was one group subjected to this extreme treatment. Company C of this battalion was headquartered in Salinas before deploying. Only 47 of the 107 men ever returned home. As a result, Salinas lost more men per capita in that march than any other town in the United States.
That is why our Hometown Heroes Banners in 2025 will honor these brave men for their service and sacrifice. All 107 of these heroes have banners placed in Old Town and surrounding streets, and a commemorative ceremony will be held in their honor.
Therefore, while we encourage all Salinas residents to continue to submit images and information on their military loved ones, any such submittal received this cycle will be displayed in 2026. We hope you can appreciate the need to recognize the men of Company C of the 194th, and will patiently await our next installation to see more of our local service men and women honored in this way.
Salinas Hometown Heroes Banner Program is proud to honor the service and sacrifice of our local heroes. We're a nonprofit organization that creates custom-made banners featuring their names and photos, which are then displayed along the city's main streets. Join us in showing appreciation to those who have bravely served our nation.
The Mission
The mission of the Salinas Hometown Hero Banner Program is to honor veterans and active-duty service members who call or have called Salinas home with a display of banners along Oldtown's Main Street.
Veterans
To have your or your loved one’s banner displayed as part of the Salinas Hometown Heroes Banner Program, simply submit a photograph in uniform, along with the name and branch of service, to the Salinas Hometown Heroes Banner Committee. These personal banners will be proudly showcased along South Main Street in Oldtown.
We now have a 10-week installation in the spring, from May through July 4th, and a 6-week installation in the fall, from October through Veterans Day week. The same banners displayed in the spring will also be featured in the fall. It’s a wonderful way to honor and pay tribute to our local heroes.
Donors/Sponsors
The Salinas Hometown Heroes Banner Program seeks support from local businesses and individuals to honor veterans and service members at no cost to their families. Businesses can contribute through financial sponsorship, promotion, volunteerism, and in-kind donations, showcasing their support for the program and the veteran community. Individuals can contribute through financial donations, spreading awareness, volunteering their time, and participating in fundraising events, collectively making the program a success and a heartfelt tribute to local heroes.
'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.'
~ Margaret Mead
