Hometown Heroes Honored: Katy Unveils First Tribute Banners Along George Bush Drive
A quiet yet powerful moment unfolded in Katy this past weekend as the first twelve Hometown Heroes banners were unveiled along George Bush Drive, transforming the street into a tribute to service, sacrifice, and community pride.
Community members gathered early Saturday morning, November 1, at the VFW Hall on George Bush Drive to begin the commemorative event. What followed was a heartfelt walk down the roadway to view each of the newly installed banners—each one displaying the name, photograph, and branch of service of a local veteran or active-duty military service member. The street, which stretches from Katy Heritage Park to VFW Post 9182, now stands as a moving visual testament to the men and women of Katy who have answered the call to serve.
The unveiling marks the official kickoff of the Katy Hometown Heroes Banner Program, a community collaboration between the City of Katy and the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, launched earlier this year. Inspired by a simple email suggestion sent by Katy resident and veteran advocate Matthew Ferraro, the idea quickly turned into a meaningful community initiative thanks to the passion and persistence of Chamber leaders and local supporters.
Adrienne Davitz, Vice President of Membership & Community Relations for the Katy Area Chamber, shared a deeply personal perspective on the event. “This morning’s ceremony at the VFW was one I’ll never forget,” she said in a statement following the ceremony. “Seeing those banners up, feeling the emotion in the room, and watching the pride, love, and satisfaction on the faces of the families whose loved ones were honored… it’s hard to even put into words.”
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Among the honorees was Davitz’s own grandfather, Warren Thompson, making the moment especially meaningful for her. “To see his banner hanging among so many other brave men and women was both humbling and deeply moving,” she reflected.
Each banner, produced in partnership with Hometown Heroes Banners—a national organization known for its work in honoring military and first responders since 2006—is designed to withstand the elements and will remain on display for a minimum of eight weeks. Afterward, the banners may be archived for future recognition periods, preserving the legacy of each hero.
Veterans and active-duty military who currently reside or once resided in the City of Katy and served during specific historical eras—from World War II to the Global War on Terror—are eligible to be nominated. The program is sustained through community sponsorships, with each banner costing $150. Local residents can still sponsor a banner or nominate a hero by visiting the links provided below.
As Katy continues to grow, so too does its commitment to honoring those who’ve served. The program not only offers families a lasting way to celebrate their loved ones, but also encourages a sense of unity and gratitude within the community.
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“This program started as an idea in an email — and became a lasting tribute to those who served,” Davitz said. “I’m so proud of what we’ve built together and so thankful to be part of a community that honors its heroes the way Katy does.”
How to Get Involved
- Nominate a Hero: ClickHERE
- Sponsor a Banner: Click HERE
- Contact for Info: Adrienne Davitz at 281-574-1334 or adrienne@katychamber.com
Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for continuing coverage of the Hometown Heroes Banner Program and other local initiatives honoring our veterans and building a stronger Katy community.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
