ESCONDIDO: Sponsors hang banners honoring local military heroes (Im proud of my small city in CA)

North County Times ^ | 6-18-2012 | David Garrick

[BAW]

City crews hung 44 large banners in downtown Escondido on Thursday morning that feature the names and images of local men who have served in the military.

The goal of the project, dubbed "Hometown Heroes," is simultaneously honoring local heroes and giving people a reason to visit downtown, organizers said.

Each of the 8-foot tall banners, which are hanging from light poles on Grand Avenue, required a $200 sponsorship fee that was covered either by the families of the men, their friends or local businesses.

"I wanted to honor him for his service," said Kathleen Corona, who bought a banner for her father, 86-year-old Escondido resident and World War II Navy hero James Corona. "I know he'll be surprised to see himself."

Jacquay Buneva helped friends of her son, former San Pasqual High student Cody Legg, coordinate the purchase of a banner for Legg, who died in Iraq four years ago while serving in the Army.

"It means everything that his friends are still honoring him four years later," said Buneva. "It's just amazing the number of lives he touched."

Stewart Bahl bought a banner to honor his son, Cameron Bahl, who is serving in Afghanistan and won't return to Escondido to see the banner before they are all taken down just after the Fourth of July.Bahl, who lives in southern Escondido, also decided to buy a second banner to honor his father-in-law, Vietnam veteran Andrew Yancey. And he's not the only one to buy multiple banners.

"We're very appreciative of what the soldiers do for our country," said Brewster, who owns Priority Doors on Escondido's Mission Road. "These guys do a lot for a little. We need to remind ourselves that freedom isn't free."

[BAW]

Escondido is a small California city located 30 miles north of San Diego. We respect our military and honor their service. BTW, Escondido has a majority conservative city council.

[BAW]

[skeeter]

A woman who rang up my purchase at a local shop a couple of days ago was wearing a ribbon and photo of her son KIA in Afghanistan two years ago.

The loons, fruits and illegals can leave CA - I'm not going anywhere.

[Cyman]

And yet Escondido gets blasted by almost all of the local media for their supposed “racist” attitude.

Hope this catches on across the country.

[Pat4ever]

Thank you for staying there. If all the good Patriots leave, who is left? BTW we were recently in Escondido-great fish tacos. Isn’t it right near Camp Pendleton?

[skeeter]

‘bout halfway the distance to SD...