GREENWICH, CT — Each year, Cos Cob School recognizes Veterans Day and those who have served with a large ceremony complete with student songs, speeches, presentations, and gifts. Now, the school is looking to bring that recognition to the streets.
Cos Cob School teachers Melissa D'Amato and Chris Powers went before the Board of Selectmen on Thursday to request conceptual support and permission to coordinate with other town bodies on a "Hometown Heroes" banner program.
The selectmen did not take a formal vote on Thursday.
Around 20-30 banners featuring local veterans' photographs, names, branches of service, and ranks or service year/era would be displayed from Memorial Day through Veterans Day, preferably on utility poles along the Post Road in Cos Cob, as part of a pilot program.
Powers said organizers have reached out to Commander Peter LeBeau of the American Legion Post 29 to ensure the veteran community is aware of the idea and can help guide the project and provide input.
"We are proposing a town-approved, community-funded, hometown hero street banner program, beginning with a pilot project right in the heart of Cos Cob. If this program is successful, our hope is that it will take off in other parts of the town," Powers said. "Students could help research honorees, collect their stories, and learn about the people behind the photographs. Seeing those individuals recognized publicly would connect classroom learning with the community around them."
D'Amato noted the school's annual Veterans Day ceremony would remain important, as the event helps students understand that honoring service requires thought, care and participation.
"The banner program would carry that spirit of gratitude beyond that single ceremony, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to recognize local service members throughout the display season," she said.
Powers said the program would be "revenue neutral" to the town, with banners and associated program costs supported through private donations, family and business sponsorships, and school-led community fundraising.
Having the banners displayed from Memorial Day to Veterans Day would complement other community observances, such as the Greenwich Rotary Club's flag-for-veterans ceremony.
The aim is to launch the pilot program in May or June 2027 before the end of the school year, so students could be a part of the banner unveilings.
Additionally, D'Amato and Powers are requesting the creation of a webpage on the town website that would highlight the banner program. The page would display honoree biographies, show student research, and provide information about banner nominations, sponsorships and locations.
Teachers from Cos Cob School would volunteer to keep the page updated, D'Amato said.
"This would give families a lasting place to learn about our hometown heroes beyond the banner display season," she added.
First Selectman Fred Camillo praised the Cos Cob School Veterans Day ceremony, which is widely attended each November.
He noted he met with the Greenwich Department of Public Works this week about the proposed banner program, and said, "They love the idea, too."
Camillo expressed some doubt that the banners could be displayed on the Post Road, as the roadway is under the state jurisdiction. The Connecticut Department of Transportation would ultimately have to grant final approval.
He said he'd reach out to CT-DOT in the coming days, and noted if the Post Road isn't an option, other streets in Cos Cob could be examined, although that area of town lacks needed light posts.
Greenwich Avenue could be a fallback option if all other areas are unsuitable. Cos Cob School would still help with the unveiling, Camillo explained.
"If there are no stanchions or poles to hang them from, we have a solution waiting for us right here [on Greenwich Avenue]," Camillo said.
"We would open it up to other parts of town, too. We could have eventually, if everyone liked it, a Cos Cob section, a Pemberwick section, a Glenville section," Camillo added. "We definitely want to do this, whether it's on Greenwich Avenue or a place in Cos Cob. We'll definitely look at Cos Cob first."
Camillo indicated the board's complete support for the idea, and vowed to get the initiative going.
"I think the whole town is supportive of this. I'm glad to see it's going to come to fruition, because we've talked about it for a while. Thanks to you two, we're going to actually do it," he said to D'Amato and Powers. "We'll get it done."
More information on the proposed program can be found in Thursday's Board of Selectmen agenda packet.
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