By JIM LUKSIC
The Progress
The Exchange Club of Mesquite brought the curtain down on Veterans Day in appropriate fashion on Saturday night, Nov. 11, at the Mesquite Recreation Center west field.
While honoring those who served, and are serving, in the U.S. military for the sixth straight day, “One Thousand Flags over Mesquite” – marking its 17th year – included a speech and additional tributes.
Exchange Club President Paul Benedict, himself an Air Force veteran, served as emcee on a breezy evening that intermittently propelled Old Glory to flutter.
“This is a Field of Honor to our military and our veterans, those who served our nation to protect and preserve our freedoms,” Benedict said, before introducing Vietnam veteran and Mesquite Mayor Allan Litman.
“Every day should be Veterans Day in America,” the mayor stated in his remarks.
Jeff McKenna, a law partner for Barney McKenna & Olmstead, said that he was honored to be guest speaker for the special occasion.
“Besides being a respected attorney, Jeff is a part-time historian and author,” Benedict said in his introduction of McKenna.
In his debut novel, Saving Dr. Warren… A True Patriot, written chiefly for youth, McKenna chronicles the path of unsung Revolutionary War hero Joseph Warren. The author emphasized three primary points: honoring, remembering, and educating.
The book sells for $19.95, from which $10 will be donated to Exchange Club Foundation to be used to benefit local Veterans. McKenna, a member of Sons of the American Revolution dedicated to patriotism, brought copies to sign Saturday night.
“I’m excited anytime I get the chance to publicly speak,” he said beforehand.
Prior to McKenna’s address, the Mesquite Veterans Honor Guard presented Old Glory’s colors – after which Benedict personally thanked each representative.
Club member Ruth Dickie, Chaplain of the Virgin Valley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, delivered the Invocation. The Half Notes, accompanied by director Marie Palmer, belted out the National Anthem; the Mesquite Men’s Choir chimed in later.
Congressman Steven Horsford, who sponsored a half-dozen flags at the event, was unable to attend due to legislative responsibilities but sent his regrets, according to Benedict.
Benedict concluded by thanking several participants, not least of which was Sandra Edmonds, coordinator for One Thousand Flags Over Mesquite.
Bagpiper Dennis Hangey’s rendition of “Amazing Grace” brought the proceedings to an inspiring halt.
The healing field’s closing ceremony and flag retirement took place on Sunday, Nov. 12.
