One Thousand Flags Over Mesquite

The Exchange Club of Mesquite is getting ready to hold its 16th annual One Thousand Flags Over Mesquite Field of Honor ® in tribute to American military servicemen and veterans. The public is invited to the event held from Sunday, Nov. 6 through Sunday, Nov. 13.

An array of 1000 full-size American Flags will be on display on the west field of the Mesquite Recreation Center 24 hours a day, rain or shine. Of course, the field is lighted at night, and community volunteers will maintain a watchful vigil over the Flags every minute of every day.

On Veterans Day, Friday Nov. 11 at 6 pm, a stirring ceremony will take place at the field. This year, special attention is being given to those brave heroes who fought for Freedom in the Vietnam War.

The event will conclude with a final inspiring ceremony on Sunday, November 13 at 2 pm. This will include a Flag Retirement ceremony by the Mesquite Fire Department. Community members who have a Flag that has become weathered or damaged, may bring it to the field at any time during the week. The Exchange Club will arrange for it to be retired with dignity.

Both the Veterans Day and Closing ceremonies will include commentary and patriotic musical selections from Mesquite’s own USAF LtCol (Ret.) Janet McDonald, USN Cmdr (Ret.) Bill Ennis, Dennis Hangey and his famous bagpipes, and Bugler USMC Veteran Ron Bird, among others.

Members of the public are free to visit the field – once or often — throughout the week. “The sense of patriotism you will feel cannot be described,” said Exchange Club of Mesquite President Paul Benedict of the event. “You simply have to experience it for yourself. Be sure to bring your camera, as the precision and grandeur of the display is truly memorable, day or night.”

The Exchange Club of Mesquite is a major supporter of local veterans’ programs and services, and One Thousand Flags Over Mesquite is a primary fundraiser for the group. Every penny donated stays here in the local communities and is distributed by the Exchange Club of Mesquite Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization.

Members of the public are invited to purchase a dedication ribbon of remembrance for $35 to attach to the Flag of their choice in honor of, or in memory of, an important veteran. There is room on each dedication tag to add words of recognition.

“Remember, One Thousand Flags Over Mesquite honors every veteran, living or deceased,” Benedict said.

Immediately after the closing ceremony, sponsors are welcome to either take the flag they sponsored home to display proudly, or donate it back to the project, to be included in next year’s event. In either case, they may keep their dedication ribbon as a reminder of their special veteran.

The Exchange Club is in need of volunteers to help with this event. Those interested in helping to set up the Flags or to dedicate 3 hours of their time to watch over the Flags, may call 702-610-5196 or 702-858-8350.