Author: admin

The City of Ottawa is excited to announce the 2025 Veteran Banner recognition program, which honors veterans who have selflessly serviced in the United States military.

Sponsorship:

The 2025 Veteran Banner program is made possible through the generous sponsorship of

Bob and Pam Thrush.

Program Overview:

The banners will be showcased on light poles in downtown, specifically along LaSalle Street, Main Street and Court Street, for a two-week period before and after both Memorial Day and Veterans Day. 

At the end of November, the banners will be taken down and returned to the applicant.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

• The honoree must be an honorable discharged military veteran of the United States Armed Forces.  Active-duty service members are not eligible.
• The honoree must be a current, former, or deceased resident within the 61350-zip code.  

Application Process:

Due to the limited number of banners available, applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.  Priority may be given to veterans who served during the earliest wartime periods.

To apply, submit a completed application along with a photograph of the veteran in military uniform (digital format preferred).  Your submission will be considered completed only when both the application and the photo have been received.

Exclusions:

• Individuals who have previously participated in the program are ineligible to participate. 
• Active-duty service members are ineligible.

Submission Information:

Submit the application and photo to Tami Koppen, City Hall, 301 West Madison Street, Ottawa, IL or via email at [email protected].

This program provides a meaningful way to honor and acknowledge the sacrifices and service of our veterans.  We encourage all interested individuals to apply promptly, as the number of banners available is limited. 

Questions:

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact:

• Tami Koppen via email at [email protected] or by phone at 815-433-0161, ext. 240
• Dan Pond via email at [email protected] or by phone at 815-433-0161, ext. 244