The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival announced a new Military Tribute Banner Program for 2027, giving community members a tangible way to honor local veterans and active‑duty personnel. The initiative is expected to add visible gratitude to the city’s streets and public spaces, reinforcing Cedar Rapids’ long‑standing support for its military families.

According to KCRG, the festival revealed Wednesday that families, friends and other residents can reserve personalized banners that will be displayed throughout downtown Cedar Rapids from late May through August 2027. After the summer display, the banners will be moved to the Veterans Memorial Building for a Veterans Day showcase in November. The festival has 50 banner spaces available, and 40 of those remain open for reservation this year.

HyperLocal Loop noted that the announcement was timed to coincide with Veterans Day, underscoring the festival’s commitment to honoring service members beyond the annual celebration. The outlet highlighted that the Freedom Festival is one of the city’s most beloved traditions, drawing residents together each year for patriotic festivities and community pride.

Residents interested in participating can contact the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival directly for reservation details. The program offers a year‑round tribute, turning ordinary streets into a visible expression of gratitude for those who have served under the American flag. By displaying the banners in high‑traffic downtown areas, the festival aims to keep the sacrifices of local military families front and center in everyday life.

What’s next: The festival’s website now accepts banner reservations, and with 40 spaces still open, organizers encourage families to act quickly. The first banners are slated to appear on downtown streets in late May 2027, remain through August, and then be featured inside the Veterans Memorial Building for the November Veterans Day ceremony.

Sources: hyperlocalloop.com, kcrg.com