For the ninth year, the City of Marion, Marion Chamber of Commerce and Uptown Marion Main Street District are proud to honor those who are serving or have served in the United States Armed Forces through the Military Tribute Banner program. More than 450 veterans have been honored in Marion since the program began.

The program is designed to recognize and show appreciation for veterans and military personnel and their families with ties to Marion. Any resident or local business is invited to honor an active duty or former service member.

The banners, each featuring the honoree’s military photo, name, branch and dates of service, are placed on decorative streetlight poles throughout Marion from Memorial Day to Veterans Day for two years.

FAQs

1. Can you tell me where my loved one's banner is located?

Yes, a map will be created and emailed to all banner sponsors before Memorial Day.

2. I want to honor a family member, how do I do that?

Banners can be purchased in person at the Marion Chamber office, 1070 7th Avenue, Marion, IA during normal business hours or via email by completing the following steps and submitting via email. 

1. Complete the Application
2. Submit payment payable to the Marion Chamber Foundation - cash or check (in person) or credit card accepted online
3. Upload a photo of the honoree

Banner sales will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis until Friday, March 6, 2026, or until availability runs out.  

If you're not ready to purchase a banner this year, sign up to be among the first to be notified when sponsorships open in February 2027. Do so by completing the form at tinyurl.com/marionmilitarybanners. The program details and application form will be distributed at that time along with instructions for when the program opens. Banners do sell quickly.

3. How much does it cost for a banner?

The $200 fee includes design/production, installation/care, as well as a contribution to local veteran affairs programs.

4. Do I get to keep the banner?

Yes, every effort is made to return the banner to the sponsors at the end of the two years. It does take a few weeks from the time the banners come down until they are packaged, sorted and ready for pick-up. An email will be sent to the address provided on the application form when the banners are ready.

5. If I've already sponsored a family member, is it possible to do so again?

With the popularity of the program, we'd like to give as many residents as possible the opportunity to honor a loved one. We request that you wait a year before honoring the same individual. We will not reuse an existing banner so it does require the full sponsorship fee.