The city of Palm Bay is honoring local members of the Armed Forces by flying banners high for all to see.

Tammy Thurber-Becker, whose son served in the Navy, said the tribute meant a lot to her.

She said from an early age, she ​knew her son Brandon wanted to serve his country. and honor those who came before him.

"On Fridays he would buy donuts and coffee and bring them to the homeless veterans in our neighborhood," Thurber-Becker said. "He used to love their stories and what they had to say, so the community had an impact on who he became."

Brandon graduated high school at 17 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He had only served about a year when he was killed in a motorcycle crash while visiting home in 2018.

But for his now Gold Star mom, who also served in the military, it was the quality of his short life she is proud of.

"I reflect on what he could have been and what he did achieve in 18 years," Thurber-Becker said.

All around her home, she displays tributes to her son and his life of military service — including his uniforms, boots, and pictures.

But also his ashes, and a flag.

"Not just another name or figure, he actually became somebody," Thurber-Becker said.

Outside, she proudly displays the two banners featuring Brandon, part of Palm Bay's Military Tribute Banner Program.

The banners honor active duty and veterans with ties to the city.

Thurber-Becker said it's humbling knowing her town would do such a tribute for members of the military like her son.

"People will see my son for years to come, and Palm Bay is allowing our veterans to be thanked in ways they've never been thanked before," she said. "They are not left behind or forgotten."

A total of 38 banners were on display throughout the city of Palm Bay last year from Veterans' Day through Memorial Day.

City officials say they expect to display even more this year.​