Mission Statement
The mission of the Veterans Honor Banner Project is to place banners honoring veterans, either living or dead, who have served in any branch of the United States Armed Forces in any conflict on every banner hanger in the Rapid City area.
HISTORY OF VETERANS HONOR BANNER PROJECT
The Veterans Honor Banner Project was brought to the Black Hills in the spring of 2017 by U.S. Air Force veteran, Bill Casper. Inspired by a project that was started in 2014 in Emporia, Kansas, Casper envisioned a way for the community to recognize the people that have served our country, ensuring their stories are not forgotten.
The first year of the project saw the hanging of eighteen banners commemorating World War II veterans. The banners were displayed on light poles throughout downtown Rapid City during the month of November 2017, leading up to Veteran’s Day. The banners contained a photo of each veteran, along with information supplied by the sponsors, such as the veteran’s branch of service and the dates they served.
After displaying banners honoring World War II veterans in its initial year, the Veterans Honor Banner Project included the addition of servicemen and women from other conflicts, such as the Korean, Vietnam and Gulf Wars, in subsequent exhibits.
Steady growth raised the banner display count total to over 200 in 2022. The rapidly-growing project was expanded into other areas of Rapid City, further increasing the visibility of our local veterans. In spring of 2023, 299 banners went up, honoring veterans as the project continued to grow. That growth has been sustained with 345 banners hung in 2024 and 411 banners hung in 2025.
As we approach 2026, we are working to forecast and properly manage the exponential increase in interest for the Veteran Honor Banner Program. This explosive growth has caused our volunteer staff at the VHBP to revise our business plans and strategies. We are continuing to undertake major updates in our budgeting planning, our digital footprint and to enhance our administrative practices; including purchasing, cost-control measures and vendor selections. The VHBP is working to streamline our program and implement these efficiencies with the goal of keeping the program affordable to you, our valued sponsors, so you can continue to honor your loved Veteran hero.
Sponsoring a Veteran
The Veterans Honor Banner Project is proud to offer you the opportunity to recognize the servicemen and women who have bravely served our country.
Any veteran may be sponsored for a banner, making it a great way to honor the special people in your life that have served in any branch of the military, in any conflict.
To sponsor a veteran for their own banner, simply fill out an application form. Please include a photo of the veteran, as well as information on as their branch of service, the dates in which they served, honors received and any other details relevant to their service.
The cost of sponsoring a veteran for a banner for 2025 varies depending upon banner size by location. Each banner will have a “life” of three years after which you will be able to reapply to keep the banner up or the banner will be yours to keep. An additional charge will be the cost to hang the banner each year. All funds go into the production of the banner.
We are accepting applications for
Veterans Banners for the Year 2026.
Complete your application online by selecting “Sponsoring a Veteran”.
“Keepsake” Banner Application
“Keepsake” banners are smaller versions of the banner; 11 inches by 18 inches, printed on one side only, no sleeves or grommets. They are ideal for framing and hanging on your wall. Their cost is: $50.