Mesquite Fire Department Honor Guard assisted by the Knights of Columbus present the Colors prior to the closing of ‘One Thousand Flags over Mesquite’. Photo by Lou Martin
Wounded Warrior Project Peer Joe Perez, giving a moving speech on the help needed by veterans returning from America’s conflicts around the world Photo by Lou Martin
Individual flag sponsors coming forward to receive their flag after the closing of the day’s event. Photo by Lou Martin
The ninth annual, “One Thousand Flags over Mesquite’ hosted by The Exchange Club closed Sunday afternoon. The week-long celebration honoring veterans and the flag of our country was well attended. Master of Ceremonies Paul Benedict began the day’s program by introducing Councilman Kraig Hafen who gave the Invocation followed by the Mesquite Fire Department honor guard who posted the Colors. Larry Knievel of the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The program continued with patriotic songs by the Desert Dames High Notes. Benedict then introduced Marine Veteran Joe Perez, Peer Mentor for the ‘Wounded Warrior Project’, who gave a moving speech of the help needed by veterans returning from conflicts all over the world. He spoke heavily of the involvement of the Veteran Administration in returning veterans back into society.
An official Flag Retirement Ceremony was performed by the Fire Department with the help of the Knights. Pastor Patrick O’Neal, of the Mesquite Lutheran Church, gave the Benediction to close the program. Benedict then advised all who sponsored a flag to come forward to receive their flag.
