SACKETS HARBOR — The village is seeking sponsors for War of 1812 banners to be displayed on street poles.

Priced at $200 each, the banners honor memorable American soldiers, sailors, Marines and militia members who served in the village during the war.

Constance B. Barone, site manager of the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, who assisted in the marketing of the banners,said the idea stemmed from a similar program used to honor soldiers in Lockhaven, Pa. The banners are being created by Rileighs Outdoor Decor, Bethlehem, Pa.

“This is a tangible way for people to connect to the War of 1812,” Mrs. Barone said.

Among the figures being honored in the banners are Commadore Isaac Chauncey, Navy commander of Lakes Erie and Ontario; Capt. Samuel McNitt of Commander Forsyth’s Corps Militia; shipbuilder Henry Eckford, and Brig. Gen. Zebulon M. Pike. Underneath the War of 1812 military honoree, sponsors can add the name of a person or business.

The banners will be displayed along Dodge Avenue and Broad Street from May to October during the bicentennial years of 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Of the 26 banners for sale, 18 have been purchased.

Mayor F. Eric Constance said the bicentennial was an important celebration, but the village couldn’t rely on the state to fund projects such as the banners.

“The state hasn’t helped us with this,” Mr. Constance said. “The village has to do this on its own.”

Village Clerk Gertrude M. Karris said residents have been enthusiastic about the banners and have sponsored them in honor of family members, Army veterans or past village residents.

“It’s a small thing, but it’s going to create a festive entrance,” Mrs. Karris said.

For more information about the banners, including a full list of names available for sponsorship, call Mrs. Karris at 646-3548 or email her at villageclerk@sacketsharbor-ny.gov.

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