On July 2, Mesquite Senior Center held a Star-Spangled Luncheon Celebration honoring America’s Independence Day and its veterans. The red, white and blue-decorated center put attendees in a party mood. Local veterans’ pictures hung on the wall. The room was packed; they even had the back room open to hold everyone.

The luncheon fare was good, old American hamburgers, baked beans, pasta salad and fruit and apple pie. The veterans’ color guard presented the colors, and Bill Ennis, president of the Mesquite Veterans Center, spoke about how it is a huge honor to be a part of this awesome celebration. “This is what it is all about. There are veterans here from all the wars, including World War II, and I am blessed to be able to talk to these folks,” he told The Progress.

Randy Laub, director of Mesquite’s Parks and Recreation Department, introduced the other speakers and entertainers. Laub expressed appreciation for being part of this celebration. He reminded people of how much behind-the-scenes work it takes for the senior center staff to put on a celebration like this. “We are blessed to be here with the people who served our country. Having this senior center where people can come and socialize, and be grateful and proud enough to celebrate our great country, is a blessing.”

There was definitely a lot of socializing going on at this community event. There were 190 meals served, and many more attendees did not eat lunch but wanted to be a part of the celebration.

Wonderful entertainment was provided by the talented Cheryl Kilker, Ms. Sr. Mesquite/Ms. Senior Nevada, and talented soprano Janet Callahan sang the National Anthem. The duo led the audience in patriotic songs, including “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” They had the audience on their feet, singing and flag waving.

The second performance was from the Mesquite Lifelong Cloggers. Their vibrant songs are always performed with enthusiasm that the crowd loves.

Another highlight of the celebration came from Leonard Deprez. He brought an unopened can from WWII. Deprez said, “They gave these survival cans to every soldier. I thought this 250th celebration would be a good time to see what was in the can, kind of like a time capsule.” He used a “John Wayne can opener” and took out two packs of matches, two packets each of powdered coffee, milk, sugar, chewing gum and a pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes. The kit also contained a small roll of toilet paper, to be used sparingly.

City manager Becca Schrupp was in attendance with her son Nick. John Rosen, candidate for the Mesquite City Council, was also there, singing and waving the flag. Schrupp said, “This was amazing; the decorating and such a fantastic program.” Her 14-year-old son said he really liked it.

A young girl named Kinzi Mustin made special gift bags for all the veterans in attendance. She personally passed them out and thanked them for their service.

Veteran attendee Jim Lynch, whose picture is on the honor wall, said, “This is a great celebration for our town, and entertainment is wonderful. We need to do this again next year, but we need a larger venue. Maybe the recreation center would be a good place.”

Cheryle Kilker told The Progress, “When Krissy first approached me with this idea for the Red, White and Blue Program, I told her, ‘Let’s get as many people involved as we can that can offer something special.’ I think we accomplished that, and turnout was absolutely fabulous.”