The only problem is there are only 12 of them to hang throughout Clarington.

Ms. Caswell was before council on Monday to make a request that four of the banners be hung in Newcastle and the remainder in Bowmanville. Councillors disagreed. Instead of hanging them in only those two areas, they felt the banners should be hung throughout the municipality.

"The entire municipality feels for the troops," said Regional Councillor Mary Novak.

Well said.

Ms. Caswell, stepmom of Trooper Darryl Caswell, who was killed last June near Kandahar, joined Margaret Maskell, whose nephew also served in Afghanistan, to ask the Municipality to have the banners hoisted.

Ms. Maskell designed the banners.

The 12 banners were donated on Ms. Maskell's request by Goodyear Canada, where Trooper Caswell's father, Paul, works and where the trooper was briefly employed.

Councillors agreed the banners should be proudly displayed across the municipality, but Ms. Caswell reminded them there are only 12. That is why there should be more and they should be hung far and wide across Clarington. Much like the Highway of Heroes signs that mark Hwy. 401, we think such a show of support by displaying these banners would be a fitting tribute to the men and women serving Canada, some of whom were born and raised in our community.

Councillors thought other businesses in addition to Goodyear could help offset the costs of making more banners and having them flown in the community. However, we would encourage councillors to set aside some money for the effort as well. Lead by example and others will hopefully follow suit.

As long as our military's mission in Afghanistan continues, our soldiers are going to need our support. These small gestures mean a lot to not only them but to their families as well. They show everyone we're proud of our soldiers and want them home safe and sound in the future.

If you agree, let your councillor know. It's a call worth making.