Signs, banners and flags supporting veterans will not immediately disappear from highway overpasses in Massachusetts now that Gov. Deval Patrick has halted the Massachusetts Highway Department’s plan to remove them.

According to a Tuesday Massachusetts Highway Department press release, Patrick has called for a meeting between Veteran’s Services Secretary Tom Kelley and MassHighway commissioner Luisa Paiewonsky to develop a new strategy to honor veterans.

MassHighway, which has already stopped tearing down the signs, claiming they present a safety hazard to drivers below, will not remove the displays until it identifies an appropriate way to honor veterans on state-owned transportation properties, the release states.

“We have seen a proliferation of all types of signs and displays on overpasses throughout the commonwealth,” said MassHighway spokesman Eric Abell. “It is an issue we have been looking at for some time now.”

Jim Sereigo-Wareing, founder of New England Caring for our Military, said he began creating commemorative banners soon after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and said MassHighway’s decision to remove his signs in October took away an important symbol of support for Iraq veterans.

“I was stunned when they took off these displays, because there was no public announcement,” Sereigo-Wareing said. “These bridge displays mean a lot to people, and I think the benefit to families is far greater than any kind of safety issues MassHighway claims the signs will bring.”

Sereigo-Wareing said generic MassHighway signs, suggested as safe replacements, will not carry the same weight as homemade ones.

“They’ll hang them up in rest areas, and that’s not as visible as if these signs were to be hung on the overpasses,” he said. “Also, it’s not the same because it’s commercial and doesn’t come from the citizens. These displays are just American. They show that as a community, we support the families and the military.”

Christina Moody, a member of the nonprofit organization American Troop Support, said the removal of signs is disrespectful to troops.

“I have a son who is getting ready for his third tour of duty and a daughter who has just returned from her second, so it’s very sad that you can’t honor them in some way,” Moody said. “It’s a sign showing that Americans care so the flags should stay.”

School of Management sophomore Stephanie Sohmer said MassHighway’s decision neglects the sentiments of troops of their families.

“[The signs] have always appeared well-maintained,” Sohmer said. “How can they claim that signs that are secured to these overpasses pose any more threat to motorists than loose newspaper on the highway on a windy day?

“These signs are meant to honor our troops and the sacrifices that these soldiers and their families have made to our country,” she added. “I think it gives the families of fallen soldiers some comfort in knowing that their son or daughter will not be forgotten.”