MILTON — Army Pfc. Brandon Austin Banner will become the first name enshrined outside city hall following a vote from elected officials during this week’s regular council meeting.
Last week, Mayor Wesley Meiss tasked the council and city staff to consider options toward honoring the Milton High School alumnus who died alongside eight U.S. Army soldiers earlier this month during a training exercise at Fort Hood, Texas.
Through discussions with city staff, City Manager Brian Watkins suggested engraving a brick in Banner’s honor on the outside courtyard near city hall’s south entrance. The entrance along Dixon Street features a flag pole displaying the American flag.
Meiss, who supported the recommendation at the meeting, said residents have often asked him about honoring Banner following the news of his death.
“I think this an appropriate way, I’m glad we could do something,” Meiss said.
While Meiss said he did not know Banner personally, he was familiar with Banner through MHS’s football program. Meiss regularly calls MHS football games for a local radio station.
“From all of the accounts of what people have been telling me, he was a really good guy,” Meiss said.
In addition to the memorial brick outside city hall, city officials scheduled a candlelight vigil for Banner on Friday at the Veterans Memorial Plaza in downtown Milton. The memorial service included a moment of silence, guest speakers and a taps performance from Milton High School band members.
In addition to Banner’s family, local and state representatives were invited to participate in it.
Nine memorial bricks will be placed at the memorial plaza in remembrance of Banner and fellow soldiers who died in the Fort Hood flood.
The memorial bricks outside city hall will also be inclusive to future local military service members who have died while listed in active duty.
At the council meeting, Watkins said the walking path currently has 58 concrete stones.
“I hope we never have to do (this) again,” Watkins said. “I hope we never see them filled up.”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: City to place memorial brick honoring fallen soldier (VIDEO)