Mesquite Observes Memorial Day

By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

Members of the Mesquite Honor Guard post the colors during the Memorial Day Remembrance at Pioneer Park held on Monday morning. PHOTO BY BOBBIE GREEN/The Progress

The lonely sounds of a bagpipe could be heard early Monday morning at the Pioneer Park in Mesquite. This music was courtesy of local resident Dennis Hangey. The music welcomed those who turned out to honor our fallen servicemen at the City’s annual Memorial Day flag ceremony.

It was a beautiful, blue sky; an all-too rare windless morning. Approximately 100 people gathered to remember this Memorial Day. There was also a good showing of support from the Mesquite Police Department as well as the Fire and Rescue Department.

Each year this service is arranged and organized by Vietnam Veteran and Mesquite Mayor Al Litman. The service is not a mayoral duty, but rather a show of appreciation and honor from a veteran.
“I took over this honor about 16 years ago from the late Cecil Donahoe,” said Litman. “I will continue to do this as long as I can.”

The Glory Girls singing trio from the Mesquite United Methodist Church favored the audience with a performance of patriotic songs at the Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday morning in Mesquite. PHOTO BY BOBBIE GREEN/The Progress

The Mesquite Veteran Honor Guard was recognized. Mesquite Police Chief MaQuade Chesley and Fire Chief Jayson Andrus together hung a wreath at the veterans memorial. The honor guard presented arms and the flag detail raised the colors to full staff and then lowered it to half-staff in observance of the day.

The Glory Girls singing group from the Mesquite United Methodist Church sang three songs. These included the “Star-Spangled Banner,” “On Eagles Wings” and “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”

In his remarks Litman told the audience how fortunate Mesquite is, because the city has no record of ever losing a resident in battle. Her armed service people all returned home, he said.

Litman talked about the sacrifices veterans have made for us all. He recognized a few WWII veterans in the audience and mentioned resident Art Hammerschmidt whose father served in both WWI and WWII.

Mesquite Mayor Al Litman speaks at the Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony on Mesquite. Litman has been organizing the event for 16 years now. PHOTO BY BOBBIE GREEN/The Progress

The Honor Guard gave a salute to the veterans. Hangey played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes.
The Mesquite Elks Club Chaplain Mike Parks gave the Benediction, and a solemn rendition of “Taps” was played.

State Assemblywoman and candidate for U.S. Congress District 4, Annie Black said that she was honored to be in attendance. “This was a beautiful ceremony as it always is,” Black said. “God bless us all, hopefully we can honor their sacrifices by keeping our country free.”

In his final remarks, Litman thanked everyone who came out to honor the fallen. He also appreciated everyone who took part in the ceremony.