Main Street Ottumwa is proud to announce that the community’s Hometown Heroes banners will once again be displayed throughout downtown Ottumwa by Memorial Day weekend, honoring local veterans and active-duty service members with ties to the Ottumwa area.
This year, the program will also introduce a major new feature: an interactive online map designed to help residents and visitors easily locate banners and learn more about the veterans being recognized.
The map will allow users to search for a specific veteran’s banner location or browse the full collection of honorees displayed throughout downtown. In addition to banner locations and service information, the platform is being designed to support expanded biographies and
personal stories for veterans represented in the program.
“As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, this feels like an especially meaningful time to recognize the individuals from our own community who served our country,” said Kris Patrick. “The banners are already a powerful visual tribute downtown, but this new map gives us an opportunity to preserve and share the stories behind those names and faces in a much deeper way.”
Main Street Ottumwa is currently encouraging families, sponsors, and community members to submit additional information, stories, and historical details about veterans featured in the program. Over time, the organization hopes the platform will become a growing digital archive celebrating local military service and community history.
The interactive map is powered by MainSuite, Main Street Ottumwa’s internally developed operations and engagement platform created by Main Street staff. The tool was designed to support community-focused initiatives and improve how the organization manages programs,
events, and public engagement.
“The Hometown Heroes map is a great example of technology being used in a practical and meaningful way to strengthen community connections,” Patrick said. “We are excited not only to help families find their loved one’s banner more easily, but also to create something that helps preserve these stories for future generations.”
Banners will be displayed through Veterans Day. Community members will be able to access the interactive map at mainstreetottumwa.com/hometownheroes.
