Ellsworth Air Force Base will have the first exhibit of the "Fallen Heroes" banners in western South Dakota this year.

The banners, unveiled Aug. 8 at the state Capitol in honor of military personnel who have died in Iran and Afghanistan, can be reserved at qualified indoor events.

There are 29 banners in the display, including an introduction banner and a banner naming donors that supported the project.

The banners are now displayed at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center through Sept. 7.

The current schedule includes:

y Sept. 11, at Cry Out America 911 Awakening American USA Program, Sioux Falls

y Sept. 17-22, at Ellsworth Air Force Base

y Oct. 10-12, at Furness Funeral Home, Clark

y Nov. 6-18, at the GAR Hall in Yankton

y Nov. 24 - Dec. 27, at the South Dakota National Guard Museum in Pierre, allowing visitors to the annual Capitol Christmas tree display to also view the banners while in the capital city

y Jan. 11-13, at the South Dakota Retailers Convention in Pierre.

y Jan. 15-30, at the Veterans Affairs Black Hills Health Center in Fort Meade

y Feb. 11-15, at the American Legion Mid-Winter Conference in Oacoma

y Feb. 18, at the South Dakota National Guard Legislative Dinner in Pierre

y Feb. 19-March 9, at the South Dakota National Guard Museum in Pierre

y May 24, at American Legion Post 8 Memorial Day Program in Pierre

y June 16-22, at the American Legion State Convention in Spearfish

The banners must be picked up at and returned to the South Dakota Division of Veterans Affairs, Soldiers and Sailors Building, 425 E Capitol Avenue, Pierre, S.D. 57501

The banner display can be reserved for two weeks and is available on a first-come, first-served basis

Applications for display of the banners must be pre-approved by the Fallen Hero Banner Committee representative. Approval criteria include adequate space and lighting to properly view the display, suitable events or occasions for the display, proper safeguarding of the display and availability of the banners during the requested time.

For more information on the display, call the South Dakota Division of Veterans Affairs 773-3269.