The veterans of Mt. Morris, Pa., are being honored with banners displaying photos of those who served their country in the military. The banners can be seen attached to streetlights and electrical poles throughout the community.
Frankie Basile is responsible for initiating this project, starting in early summer and culminating today with Veterans Day, celebrated every year on Nov. 11. The community offers a special thanks to Basile for spearheading this project and his other acts of dedication to veterans.
A total of 132 banners were hung throughout the town. The placement of each banner was carefully chosen so that it was positioned near the veteran’s home or former home, a place a business or grouped with other family members who had served their country with honor. Each banner displays the veteran’s photo, name, rank, military branch and conflict during which they served. Many of the veterans whose photos are displayed are deceased. These veterans may be gone, but the banners show they are not forgotten.
The banners will remain on display through today and then will be carefully taken down and stored until spring, when they will be displayed again throughout Mt. Morris. They are being taken down and stored to protect them from the winter weather.
The town of Mt. Morris thanks Basile, along with Jimmy Tennant, who assisted in the installation of the banners. Residents are proud of all veterans in the community, particularly the Long family. Seven out of eight sons in the Long family served, and all returned home safely: Joseph E. Long, James W. Long, John T. Long, David L. Long, N. Paul Long, Mark A. Long and Philip E. Long. These men are the sons of the Rev. Walter C. Long and Fannie, who was pastor of the Mt. Morris Gospel Tabernacle for many years.
