By BOBBIE GREEN
The Progress
The Exchange Club of Mesquite has a fifteen-year-old, tradition of flying 1,000 flags for a week to honor America’s Military and Veterans. This year’s event will take place November 7-14.
Each year the Exchange Club askes for patriotic volunteers to step up and help them achieve this goal. Set up and take down for the event is significant taking about three hours each. The whole family can participate. Set-up will begin at 9 am Nov 7 on the west field of the Mesquite Recreation Center.
“Just show up if you are willing to help” said event coordinator Blanca Villarreal.
The 1000 Flags event is the primary fundraiser for the Exchange Club. Individuals, businesses, and corporations are invited to sponsor/purchase a three foot by five-foot flag, which is made in the USA for $35.00. These sponsored flags are then flown on the Field of Honor. Sponsors may keep the flag after it is removed if they wish or they can donate it back. Each sponsor will receive a remembrance ribbon and dedication tag on which they can add their own words.
“One should walk slowly through the field,” said Exchange Club President Paul Benedict. “Each star-spangled sentinel represents the silent stories of thousands of brave Americans who have served and are serving our great nation at home and abroad.”
Flags may be sponsored prior to the event. To do so, stop by Adonai Landscaping office at 822 Cinco Court Unit A in Mesquite or email for an on-line form at adonailandscaping2@gmail.com. Office hours are Monday-Thursday 8 am to 3 pm and Friday 8 am-1pm.
The Field of Honor will be lighted all night during the weeklong event. Volunteers will maintain a watchful vigil in three-hour shifts both day and night.
There will be a memorial ceremony held on Veterans Day, November 11, beginning at 6 pm. The ceremony will include special musical performances, guest speakers and presentations. All are invited to attend.
A final ceremony for this year’s event will be held on November 14 at 2pm.
A flag retirement ceremony will also be conducted by the Mesquite Fire and Rescue. Anyone with a weathered American Flag that needs retiring may bring it to the Honor Field at any time during the week.
For further information email exchange.mesquite@gmail.com.
