Manhattan To Dedicate 'I Honor' Veteran Tribute Banners In Ceremony

MANHATTAN, IL — The Village of Manhattan will dedicate its newly displayed veterans banners, with a ceremony set for Sunday, May 26.

The I Honor banners, created in partnership with American Legion Manhattan Illinois Post 935 as an effort to recognize veterans of Manhattan and Manhattan Township, are hung on street poles in town. Only 18 banner positions were available along the major streets in Manhattan Township, organizers said, so recipients were selected via lottery. The banners will remain in place until Veterans Day, when they'll be pulled down and given to families as keepsakes. Banners not selected in this lottery will be hung for display Memorial Day 2025, Mayor Mike Adrieansen said.

Village and American Legion leaders will hold the dedication ceremony Sunday, May 26 at 1 p.m., at the corner of Brookstone Dr. and US Route 52. The event will include a prayer, and words from John Kestel.

The ceremony will be outdoors; in case of inclement weather, it will be moved to the Manhattan Township building, 230 S. Wabash St.

"Let us unite in remembrance and appreciation as we salute our veterans," officials said.