he-publicaffairs@longbeach.gov
Above: City of Long Beach 2025 Veterans Banner Program honorees displayed on Lakewood Boulevard
UPDATE: The below public notice was updated at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026, to reflect the new deadline for nominations, which was extended to Friday, May 15, 2026. Additionally, selected honorees will now be notified in June 2026. Previously, it was stated the deadline was set for Wednesday, April 15, 2026, and notifications were to be sent out by May 2026.
Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is now accepting nominations for the third annual Long Beach Veterans Banner Program. Last year, 65 veterans were honored with individual banners displayed at locations across Long Beach. This year, up to 65 veterans will be selected. The Health Department’s Office of Veterans Support, in partnership with the Long Beach Veterans Commission, will oversee the selection of banners to be displayed throughout the city for one year, beginning in summer 2026.
“The Veterans Banner Program offers a meaningful and visible way to honor and celebrate those who dutifully served our country,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “The program celebrates the contributions of our veterans and highlights Long Beach’s rich naval history.”
Community members are encouraged to nominate any veteran, living or deceased, who served honorably and meets one of the following eligibility criteria:
- Born or raised in Long Beach
- Currently works or previously worked in Long Beach
- Currently resides or previously resided in Long Beach
- Educated in Long Beach
- Formerly stationed or worked at the Long Beach Naval Station or Shipyard, Long Beach Naval Hospital, Long Beach Armory or Veterans Affairs Long Beach
Nominations for the Veterans Banner Program are now open and will be accepted through Friday, May 15, 2026. Applicants will be asked to:
- Identify which of the eligibility criteria the nominee meets
- Provide information about the veteran nominee’s military service, including service branch, dates of service, primary duties performed and highest rank attained as well as notable honors or awards, if applicable
- Describe any connections the veteran nominee may have to Long Beach, such as involvement with local civic, community-based or veterans’ organizations or other community involvement
- Provide the veteran nominee’s bio, which will be posted on the City’s website
- Provide a high-resolution photo if selected for the program
The Long Beach Veterans Commission will review all applications to ensure they meet eligibility requirements are met and selected honorees will be notified by June 2026. During the review process, all applications will be anonymized to reduce selection bias.
This year’s program was made possible by a one-time increase in funding, approved as part of the City’s Adopted Fiscal Year 2026 Budget to support the expanded outreach and education efforts by the Long Beach Veterans Commission.
People can submit a nomination using the Veterans Banner Program nomination form or visit longbeach.gov/vetsbanner for more information.
About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.