(COLUMBUS, Ohio) Nov. 8, 2011 – As Veterans Day approaches,many will pause and think of the more than 24 million military veterans in the US. The team at the Columbus FASTSIGNS^® Sign and Graphics center hopes that they can contribute to local families’ personal moments of recognition by offering free “Welcome Home” banners to honor returning servicemen and women.

“This is something my staff and I really wanted to do to show our gratitude to those who have served our country because it’s the least that they deserve,” said Mike Thatcher, owner of the Columbus FASTSIGNS center. “This is a cause that is close to our hearts and we are happy to be able to participate in this way.”

The center, which is located at 205 E Broad Street, is offering a three foot by five foot banner to local families who will be welcoming home a loved one, free of charge. Each banner features a patriotic design and is customized with the returning soldier’s name. The first banners have already been donated and Thatcher and his staff hope that many more will follow.  

“My team and I are excited every time someone calls in to request a ‘Welcome Home’ banner,” explained Thatcher. “Each request we receive means that another serviceman or woman is on their way home to see their loved ones.” 

As another way to support returning troops, FASTSIGNS has recently pledged its commitment as a company to take part in the International Franchise Association’s Operation Enduring Opportunity program. This initiative is designed to help veterans find employment within the American franchising system’s vast network of companies.

Families and friends interested in having a banner made for their returning loved one can simply contact the Columbus FASTSIGNS center five days in advance to make the request. Call (614) 228-2013, stop by the center at 205 E Broad Street, or visit them online at www.fastsigns.com/245.   

FASTSIGNS^® helps businesses, organizations and events solve their visual communications and marketing challenges—large and small. From the simple… to the simply impossible™. The Columbus FASTSIGNS sign and graphics center provides consulting, file transfer, design, production, delivery and installation for a full range of custom sign and graphics solutions. For more information, call (614) 228-2013, visit www.fastsigns.com/245 or use a smartphone to visit m.fastsigns.com/245.