Free Welcome Home Banners
Yup, they’re a Texas company!!
A Texas e-commerce company has announced a plan to give personalized banners to families whose loved ones are returning from Iraq or other international deployments to let the soldiers know there are those who care for them.
The company called Buildasign said its promotion will offer up to 10,000 signs – 3 feet by 6 feet – to families to help them welcome home their returning loved ones.
Disclaimer: Your’s may say something completely different than this example. Just sayin….
Spokeswoman Chelsea Staires told WND the company founders wanted to recognize the 4th of July in combination with a statement that they care about the soldiers who are defending the United States around the world.“Folks have friends, acquaintances in the military,” she said. “We thought it would be a good idea to provide these banners.”
The company, founded by four e-commerce veterans, said, “Buildasign.com is proud to support our troops in Iraq and around the world. We want to be a part of your welcome home celebration. Whether your friend or family member has been serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard, or any other branch of the military, you are entitled to one free 3′ x 6′ banner to welcome them home.”
Not only is a banner available, it can be customized to include the soldier’s first name, a family name or a variety of other options, officials said.
Staires said the company has made a commitment to provide up to 10,000 free banners. The promotion was launched yesterday, and in about the first 24 hours more than 100 orders have been placed.
For those who may want signs, but don’t have a returning service member, the company is offering to contribute 15 percent of some purchases to the Disabled American Veterans. Also offered are additional banners at regular prices as well as accessories that may be needed, such as ties, bungees or suction cups.
Signs
July 14th, 2008 at 10:43 amThat sounds like a wonderful idea. Most of the soldiers come home and a banner with their name will make them feel like they’re home. That is probably one of the most thoughtful things a soldier can ask for and the families will be able to show how special they are.
Lindsey James
September 4th, 2008 at 2:12 pmwhat about the rest of the wives that didnt get the announcment and its too late to get a free sighn ?? Anyone else willing to donate some sighns. Or does my husband have to feel like he isnt welcomed home as much because we cant afford the 50.00 half price sighn? We have a daughter to provide for an $50.00 isnt in the budget… every solider should get a welcome home sighn free, exspecialy those in the army serving 15 months away from their families!!!!!!!
CJ
September 6th, 2008 at 8:53 amLindsey,
As a Soldier, and having cleared this with my wife, I have to respectfully disagree. It’s not up to any business to provide anything for free just because we have or will return from combat. People go out of business that way and lose jobs. Those that do anything to help the families of troops by providing discounts and free merchandise deserve a huge pat on the back and our patronage because of their donations, not more pleas for free stuff.
I understand that a 15-month deployment is difficult on families and troops. I was there and I’ll be back there. But, that doesn’t mean that we deserve to have the world handed to us on a silver platter.
I know this is going to sound cruel because you can’t hear my voice intonation, but if you can’t afford a $50 sign, go purchase some cardboard or posterboard, a few markers, and a stick. It’ll cost you a fraction of what you’d pay for a professional one. To be honest, I was more impressed with the personalized signs when I returned than those that were purchased.
Also, where is all of the deployment money going that he is earning while he is away? He’s easily making an additional $400 per month at least (depending on rank) in extra pays and tax incentives. If you are that close to being broke now, how are you planning for his return when you will no longer have that money?
If you need any help with ideas for signs or financial management, send me an email (cj[at]soldiersperspective[dot]us)