KING CITY — Veterans are receiving a visible and meaningful tribute this fall as Broadway Street in downtown King City is lined with military banners honoring those who have served the nation.
Organized by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6747, the program recognizes local veterans while strengthening connections between the community, military families, businesses and civic leaders.
The banners will remain on display through November in celebration of Veterans Day, Nov. 11, serving as daily reminders of the sacrifices and contributions made by service members from the King City area.
According to Eric Butler, commander of VFW Post 6747, the project aligns directly with the organization’s mission.
“Many people think the VFW is just a bar filled with old veterans. That’s not true. Our mission is to support veterans. Not just veterans of war zones, but all veterans,” Butler said.
Unlike many veteran banner programs across the country that rely on family sponsorships, King City’s initiative is funded entirely by local businesses and community organizations.
“Typical banner programs are funded by family members. Our program is special because it is funded 100% by the great sponsors in our community,” Butler explained.
Sponsors include such businesses as Bassetti Farms, Ace Hardware, Taco Bell and Pine Canyon Store, along with organizations including AUSA and the A-Z Foundation.
“Other cities have families pay to recognize their loved ones. Here, the sponsors cover the costs. It’s amazing,” Butler said.
The effort also received strong support from city leadership. Butler noted that both the mayor and city manager immediately embraced the idea when the VFW presented it in August.
“The mayor and city manager have been very supportive of this program. We approached them in August and they were all in,” he said. “The parks department hung them for us, and working with Anthony and his team in maintenance was smooth and easy. I think everyone was happy to honor our veterans.”
While dozens of veterans are currently featured, Butler hopes the program continues to grow in the coming years.
“King City has many more veterans who are not on banners. The goal for the future is that it’ll expand and we will be able to recognize everyone,” he said.
Honoring loved ones
For military families, seeing loved ones honored publicly has been deeply emotional.
Lauri Martinez, whose mother served in the Air Force and whose father served in the Army, described the profound impact of seeing their banners displayed downtown.
“It brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face,” Martinez said. “I said out loud, ‘That’s my Mom and Dad,’ as I walked over to take pictures of their banners.”
Martinez’s father entered military service after being drafted upon graduating high school, while her mother served as an air traffic controller in the Air Force. Despite entering military service under very different circumstances, Martinez said both served with “pride, dedication and honor.”
For her, the banners represent something larger than any single family.
“It’s important to ensure the legacy of our Armed Forces as a whole and the sacrifices that have been made,” she said. “These banners provide a visual reminder and an opportunity for us to remember and express gratitude.”
Martinez believes the tribute encourages reflection throughout the community.
“Many times we go about our daily lives and forget how we got here, what it took, and who made achieving freedom possible. Seeing these banners gives us pause and the opportunity to remember, reflect and celebrate those in uniform,” she said.
The success of the program would not have been possible without community sponsors, such as Bassetti Farms, led by local businessman Cody Bassetti.
Bassetti said his decision to support the initiative was driven by a tremendous respect for those who have worn the uniform.
“I have much respect for the veterans who have fought for this country,” Bassetti said. “They were willing to die for the United States of America, and that is something to admire, respect and celebrate.”
He believes visible recognition of veterans is important because so few Americans serve.
“Last I read, one out of every 2,000 people serve in the military,” he said. “They are absolutely the types of people we should be honoring. Visibly honoring them, in my opinion, is the easiest and most effective way.”
Bassetti hopes the banners communicate to military families that their loved ones are valued and remembered.
“I hope the families understand that we value their veterans and have empathy for those who have lost a loved one,” he said. “I hope visitors understand that here in King City, we like to honor people who have earned all the praise, respect, glory and admiration that should come with a sacrifice so large.”
He also hopes the display inspires people to think more deeply about veterans and the challenges they face.
“I feel this country, as a whole, needs to prioritize veterans and veteran health much more than we currently do,” Bassetti said. “It is crucial that these selfless heroes who have given so much for their country and countrymen are helped more than they are receiving.”
A commitment to remembering
As part of the Veterans Day celebrations, VFW Post 6747 will host a Time Capsule Burial Ceremony at 1 p.m. on Nov. 11 at King City Hall. The ceremony will create a lasting record of the community’s commitment to remembering and honoring veterans both now and for future generations.
Looking ahead, Butler said the VFW has no shortage of plans to continue serving veterans and the community. Upcoming initiatives include a Veterans Fireside Chat series, VFW Riders Toy Run, and maintenance of the community’s Avenue of Flags during Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances.
“The VFW is very much invested in recognizing our veterans in the community,” Butler said. “We care about taking care of all veterans.”
The banner program stands as a visible reminder that in King City, the service and sacrifice of veterans are neither forgotten nor taken for granted.
Earnest Kirchner is a VFW Member and Army Reserve Command Sergeant Major.
