Courtesy photo A small group led by Mayor Jim Donchess walk down the Broad Street Parkway to see the 38 banners hung along the roadway honoring Nashua veterans.

NASHUA – Anyone passing through the Broad Street Parkway recently may have noticed various banners lining the light posts along the roadway, which is being done as part of a new city program honoring veterans.

This year 38 veterans are being honored through the city’s new Military Tribute Banner Program. Banners hanging from light posts along the parkway prominently display the names of each veteran, their branch of service and their picture for all those passing by to see. On Tuesday, a small ceremony was held followed by a walk down this stretch of roadway. Workers with the Division of Public Works hung the banners, which will remain up until Veterans Day before crews take them down before harsh weather hits.

“We’re very excited to be doing this,” Mayor Jim Donchess said. “It was very sad that we had to cancel the Memorial Day parade. That’s been a wonderful event in the city for many years and this isn’t a full substitute, but certainly it is a great thing to be doing in lieu of the parade.”

The mayor also thanked those involved who helped make this tribute a reality, and said that Barney Barbera had the idea that the city begin this project, adding that he is a Vietnam veteran himself. Barbera is the chairman of the Mayor’s Veterans Council.

“Now, if you take a ride down the parkway you’ll see what a beautiful sight it is,” Barbera said.

Kurt Cameron is also a Vietnam veteran who worked on this project by helping to raise money for banners honoring 18 veterans from Nashua. Director of Public Works Lisa Fauteux was also in attendance and read the names of each of the 38 veterans aloud before the mayor led a small group on a walk down the parkway to see these banners up close.

Adam Urquhart may be contacted at 594-1206, or at aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.

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