Checotah Honors Active Service Member Every Day

An Oklahoma town has found a way to honor its active duty service members every day.  A Checotah mother helped come up with the idea.

Hanging on the streetlights in downtown Checotah are signs of appreciation for those who serve our country.

"I think it says a lot for Checotah, and it says a lot for our people that we honor those people." said Kathyrn Hust, owner of Ron's Barber Shop. 
    
There are about 15 banners hanging with the names and faces of those who are actively in the service - all of them from the small town.

Kyle Gawf's mother went to city council with the idea to honor those who serve in the Armed Forces. And of course the city council said it was wonderful idea.

The banners have been up less than a year now - paid for by local business or proud families.

The owner of Ron's Barber Shop sees the banners each time she looks out the storefront window or goes in to work.

""Those are like our flags. When we walk down our sidewalks, we are proud to walk under each one of those banners," Hurst said.

A sense of pride and patriotism - not only for those honored - but also for the freedoms they protect.

"When we look at those faces, it reminds us of what the United States of America is and what ground we stand on," said Kathyrn Hust, owner of Ron's Barber Shop in Checotah.