1000 Flags Over Mesquite Event This Week

The One Thousand Flags Over Mesquite has begun at the west field at the Mesquite Rec Center, and it will continue through Sunday, Nov. 14.

On Sunday morning, Nov. 7, a small army of volunteers stepped forward at the Rec Center to help set up a field full of 1,000 full-sized American Flags. Volunteers from the Exchange Club of Mesquite, Rotary Club of Mesquite, Mesquite Fire and Rescue Department and the Mesquite Police Department worked for about three hours to set up for the event.

These flags will fly for a week in honor of U.S. servicemen and veterans. The field of flags will fly for 24 hours a day, rain or shine. Of course, the field is lighted at night, and dedicated volunteers will maintain a watchful vigil in 3 hour shifts, both day and night.

The public is invited to visit the field once, or often. Each flag is meant to represent the stories of thousands of brave Americans who have served and are serving at home or abroad.

“Whether this is the first time you experience One Thousand Flags Over Mesquite or whether you make it a point to witness and be part of this magnificent display every year, the sense of patriotism you will feel cannot be described – you simply have to experience it for yourself,” said Exchange Club President Paul Benedict.

On Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11, at 6:00 pm, the public is encouraged to attend a special ceremony at the field, including special musical performances, guest speakers, and presentations.

The week-long event will conclude with a final ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 14 at 2 pm. This will include a formal flag retirement ceremony performed by Mesquite Fire and Rescue. Area residents who have a worn or weathered American flag that should be retired are invited to bring it to the field at anytime this week during the event.