In this episode, we have the pleasure of talking with Howard McCann. Howard is a former Vanceburg, Kentucky Resident, Cold War Veteran, and the Architect of the current “Military Heros Banner Project” in Vanceburg.
Today’s Podcast
is in 2 parts: Part 1- Information, background, and how you can visit Vanceburg’s Military Heroes Banner Project. Part 2- a Small Town story from Howard McCann.
In addition, you will hear:
-Information on Vanceburg's Veterans Park
-How Vanceburg, KY, is a wonderful stop on Kentucky's AA Highway and Route 8.
– Small Towns & Activities Highlighted in this Episode:
-Vanceburg, KY – Augusta KY- Maysville, KY
Information on Vanceburg, Kentucky's Military Heroes Banner Project:
When traveling on Kentucky's Route 8 or The AA Highway, you need to check out Small Town
Vanceburg. This adorable town of 1,300 residents sits on the Ohio River- and is near other Small Town Destinations such as Augusta, KY. But what makes Vanceburg so unique is its dedication to the Veterans of Lewis County and their current enthusiasm & potential for growth.
Many towns currently have some sort of “Hometown Heroes” program. But Vanceburg takes this concept much further as they continue to develop their “Military Heros Banners Project.”
Below is a quick
synopsis from the City of Vanceburg, and link to an official press release.
The vision began back in 2022 when the Traveling Vietnam Wall visited Vanceburg. Former resident
and Cold War Veteran Howard McCann helped organize the banners, which included 14 Lewis County Veterans who were killed in action in the Vietnam War. This was
a challenging task. Howard researched each Veteran for their military records; he contacted the family members and went to great lengths to find each soldier's photograph. No one realized how large this project would become a year and a half later.
Now, of the over 216 banners hanging in the City of Vanceburg, they represent 19 wars or
conflicts, 4 Pearl Harbor Survivors, 2 Civil War Veterans, 1 Spanish American War Veteran, 3 Veterans who served in 3 different wars, 3 Veterans who were Prisoners of War, 14 Veterans who were killed in action during the Vietnam War, 2 Veterans who were killed in action during World War II and 1 Veteran who was
killed in action in Korea. In addition, we have Veterans ranked from Private E1 to General.
The City of Vanceburg receives weekly calls from Veterans and/or family members asking questions about the banners.
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