Moapa Valley Progress
The Exchange Club of Mesquite conducted its closing ceremony for the 12th Annual One Thousand Flags Over Mesquite on Sunday, Nov. 12 at the Mesquite Recreation Center west field.
The event and exhibit have become a tradition for families in the area during the week leading up to Veterans Day. Setup usually has occurred the day after the Mesquite Veterans parade, honoring veterans and those who are serving in the military today.
The field, which holds one thousand flags in a square block of 33 rows by 30 flags, are watched over, cared for and viewed 24-hours a day, with lights at the field staying on throughout the night.
This year, two full rows of the flags were dedicated to victims of the October 1 tragedy in Las Vegas, one flag for each of the 58 who lost their lives, a flag for the over 500 who were wounded, and a flag for the first responders, medical professionals and others who have assisted in the recovery from the event.
Thanks to a multitude of volunteers and many generous local businesses, the program runs smoothly each year, having two or more people on site at any hour to watch over the flags, repair them as needed and to talk to visitors about the exhibit.
“We could never do all this without everyone’s help,” said Paul Benedict, one of the members of the Exchange Club of Mesquite who also served as Master of Ceremonies. “It is an honor to continue to help Mesquite honor our veterans year after year.”
