An effort that has already proven successful in Westfield appears to be underway in the city of Dunkirk. Earlier this month, city officials met to discuss plans to place banners around downtown that would honor some of its veterans.

Common Council member Natalie Luczkowiak and some members of the Dunkirk High School Class of 1976 met earlier this month to introduce and discuss the plan at City Hall last week.

The initiative is very much in the planning stages. “We are still organizing,” Luczkowiak said. She said her group did come up with a name for it: “City of Dunkirk Hero Banner Program.”

Though plans are continuing at the moment, there will be a website to submit applications is planned, and the Dunkirk Public Library is willing to host a drop off point for applicants who can’t or won’t do it online. Dunkirk residents and former Dunkirk residents will be eligible for the banners.

Business sponsors will also be sought for some banners and a letter is set to get sent around in search of support.

“We want to move forward as quickly as possible,” Luczkowiak said. “We’d like to have it done this year.”

While the timing is aggressive, there is no doubt downtown, especially Central Avenue, is in need of anything to breathe some life into what was once a place of activity. This is far from the answer, but it will bring some added pride to the city – and those who have served.