MARS — A new program at Mars National Bank allows residents to honor their favorite veteran or first responder until Veterans Day.

Shawn Proper, the senior vice president of mortgages and consumer lending at Mars National Bank, said the Step Forward program was designed to run between Sept. 11 for police, fire fighters and medical crews and Nov. 11, which is Veterans Day, so both military personnel and first responders could be included.

In the program, residents can fill out a form available online or at any Mars National Bank branch that honors a first responder, active military or veteran who has impacted their lives.

Those submitting names also are encouraged to share a story about a specific encounter or situation regarding the person being honored, but can also submit a name simply to be recognized and thanked for their service.

The information is then shared by the bank on its website, Facebook page and Twitter account.

“We recognize that the military and first responders have been in the media a lot lately,” said Proper, “and it reminded us how much we value the service they provide to our country and communities.”

He said the bank has only received about six entries so far, and he hopes many more will arrive before Veterans Day. He said there is no benefit to the bank other than the satisfaction of honoring military, veterans and first responders.

“We wanted to show respect,” Proper said. “It’s appropriate to remember all they do for us.”

Kevin Radford, the Mars police chief, was surprised and delighted to hear that the bank had instituted the program.

“I fully support it and think it’s great for them to take the initiative to do such a thing,” Radford said.

He agreed that the program could boost the morale of local officers as police are sometimes maligned in the U.S.

“Maybe it will help to set people straight regarding what really happens with police and veterans too,” Radford said.

Tom Loughead, the club manager at the Mars VFW Post 7505, said flyers on the program are available at the VFW post on Mars-Valencia Road.

“The program is really nice, especially around Veterans Day,” Loughead said.

The Mars VFW has long used Mars National for its banking needs.

“We try to keep everything local,” Loughead said.

For more information on the Step Forward program, or to fill out a nomination form, log onto www.marsbank.com.