ENFIELD — This spring, as residents stroll through the Enfield town green and along nearby streets, they will be met by powerful reminders of service, sacrifice, and hometown pride.
Beginning in late May, more than 120 military tribute banners bearing the faces and names of local service members will line lampposts throughout town, part of a new initiative led by the Rotary Club of Enfield.
For organizer Michael Cotnoir, the program is deeply personal.
“My father, Donald, was a Korean War vet and always very proud of his service to his country,” Cotnoir said. “I wanted to create this program to honor his, and all the Enfield veterans’ amazing sacrifices.”
Cotnoir, a new member of the Rotary Club and the husband of a past president, said the idea grew from both family inspiration and a sense of civic responsibility. His father later served as commander of the Sun City Veterans Association in South Carolina, representing more than 1,000 veterans. That legacy, combined with Enfield’s long tradition of military support, made the banner project feel both timely and necessary.
“It is important to honor and remember current and past veterans from Enfield,” he said. “It is our obligation to share the courage, sacrifice and memory of what these brave men and women did for our country.”
The effort also aligns with a milestone moment in American history. Enfield is participating in the nation’s 250th anniversary commemoration, and Cotnoir noted the town’s deep Revolutionary War roots, including Sergeant Elijah Churchill, an Enfield resident who became the first recipient of what would later be known as the Purple Heart in 1783.
The Rotary Club’s banner initiative reflects its long-standing mission of “Service Above Self,” Cotnoir said. Beyond honoring individuals, the project supports community pride, preserves local history and creates a visible, lasting reminder of service.
“It’s not just a tribute — it’s Rotary values on display throughout the town of Enfield,” he said.
The banners will be displayed annually from late May through mid-November. Cotnoir hopes residents will slow down, walk the streets, and take time to reflect.
“Imagine our town with so many courageous heroes’ images brought to life for our residents to pay tribute to,” he said. “It will also be a teaching moment for our younger population to recognize their dedication and contributions to our freedom.”
Eligibility for the program is broad. Any veteran honored must have lived in Enfield, but sponsorship is open to the general public. Living or deceased veterans, active and non-active duty service members, reservists and National Guard members from all branches are included.
“This is our way of saying thank you to the brave men and women of our great United States military,” Cotnoir said.
The response from the community has been swift and enthusiastic. More than half of the available banners have already been sponsored, with stories pouring in from families and supporters.
“I am hearing from so many people, and learning so much on these veterans’ stories,” Cotnoir said. “Truly incredible.”
Space is limited, however. Due to the number of available lampposts, the program will cap out once all locations are filled. Requests that come in after that point will roll over to next year.
Proceeds from banner sponsorships will be donated annually to the Enfield Veterans Council, ensuring the program directly supports local veterans. Cotnoir said the Rotary Club wanted every aspect of the initiative to reflect its charitable mission.
For those considering sponsoring a banner, Cotnoir offered a simple message.
“Everyone knows a veteran,” he said. “This is your chance to share a wonderful message of appreciation by saying ‘Thank you for your service.’”
As the banners rise this year and in years to come, the Rotary Club of Enfield hopes they will stand not only as memorials, but as living expressions of a community’s gratitude.
