American Hero banners of SSGT John Bolander and SSG Bryan Bowlander hanging on C Street in Virginia City, NV
Virginia City, NV - July 8, 2024. Each year, the town of Virginia City celebrates a fine tradition of hanging banners to honor United States Veterans. Beginning two (2) weeks prior to Memorial Day continuing through Veteran’s Day banners are placed up and down the “C” street lamp posts displaying name, rank, branch of service and photo of these American war heroes. Fallen soldiers are recognized and noted as “K.I.A” and placed in the center of town while other Veterans are listed as “American Hero” and placed on the remaining lamp posts along “C” street.
First started by Greg and Brenda Bolander as a rememberance to honor their son who fell during the War in Iraq, the number of banners has now grown to recognize over 200 hundred soldiers and continues to grow every year. “Originally these banners were family members of VC residents and now includes soldiers from surrounding areas as well” says Philip Greaves who now manages the banner program along with his wife Diane. Entering its ninth year, these banners are now starting to show signs of wear and tear from the extreme Virginia City weather and are in need of replacement.
Local patriots from the 601 Vigilance Committee, a 501c3 non-profit, have stepped forward to spearhead the initiative to replace worn-out banners, pledging $1,000 towards funding and purchase of new banners. Hunter Hampton, a board member of the 601, emphasizes that these banners “serve to underscore the deep gratitude owed to American soldiers for their sacrifices in safeguarding our freedom, while encouraging remembrance and honoring their unwavering courage and dedication.”
The 601 is a community service organization which helps preserve the Comstock heritage, cowboy traditions, Nevada's wild horses, and gun safety through grants, donations, and scholarships in the Comstock region. The 601 hosts various fundraisers as a source of revenue to fund its generosity. Since 2014 the 601 has donated over $50,000.00 to assist in promoting and preserving Comstock traditions and the arts for children.
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