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ORIGIN OF LEXINGTON VETERANS ASSOCIATION

I Am Old Glory

"I Am Old Glory:  For more than ten score years I have been the banner of hope and freedom for generation after generation of Americans.

    Born amid the first flames of America's fight for freedom, I am the symbol of a country that has grown from a little group of thirteen colonies to a united nation of fifty sovereign states.

Planted firmly on the high pinnacle of American Faith my gently fluttering folds have proved an inspiration to untold millions.

Men and Women have followed me into battle with unwavering courage.

They have looked upon me as a symbol of national unity.

They have prayed that they and their fellow citizens might continue to enjoy the life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, which have been granted to every American as the heritage of free men.

So long as men and women love liberty more than life itself; so long as they treasure the priceless privileges bought with the blood of our forefathers; so long as the principles of truth, justice and charity for all remain deeply rooted in human hearts, I shall continue to be the enduring banner of the United States of America."

Originally written by Master Sergeant Percy Webb, U.S. Marine Corps

 

A fund raising effort to present the Lexington Country Club community with an American Flag and site was undertaken by the Lexington Veterans Association.  A committee was formed and in five days money was raised to erect the site.  A fund raising banquet was held on April 2, 2001 in the Vista Room at Lexington.  Patriotic music was given by a new singing group - The Lexington Chorales and Army Veteran George Ward entertained the large group with many 1940-1950 favorites including a medley of the military service songs concluding with "It's a Grand Old Flag".  Retired Air Force Brigadier General Chester Butcher was the guest speaker.  Navy and Korean War Veteran Rich Hill, Chairman of the Flag Committee presented the 8 x 12 flag to Marine and Korean War Veteran Don Eckhardt, who is also President of the Lexington Board of Directors.

The Flag Committee: Navy Veterans Rich Hill, Norm Beausoleil, Tom Cotter, Phil Serpe - Army Veterans Wes Hart, Alan Wamester, Einar Dahl, Bob Kelley, Jacob Kaleel and Marge Gibbs, widow of Navy Lt. Wayne Gibbs.  Many thanks go to Wilson & Andrea Parker,  Executive Chef and Catering Manager for their efforts in making this a superb evening.  

         

Computer simulation of Flag setting - Boulder Inscription reads:                                

In Honor Of Lexington Veterans                                                 Past, Present and Future                                                  Memorial Day 2001

 

   New walkthrough area of Portico
 

Thanks to Scott Lofgren and Woody Woodward for their work on installation and landscaping

THE FLAG FUND RAISING BANQUET

MEMORIAL DAY DEDICATION PHOTOS

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Gen.Butcher, Korea Vet Rich Hill & WWII Vet Hugh Parker

Army & WWII Vet Wes Hart leads  Pledge of Allegiance

 Lexington Choralers Lex Resident & former Army Musician George Ward plays the Keyboard

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Our 8 x 12 Flag unfurled LCA President & Marine Vet Don Eckhardt accepting Flag from Navy Vet Rich Hill Part of the Banquet Crowd Ready for the Chow Line - Betty Hellner & daughter, Monica Hill - wife & daughter of deceased WWII Vet Bob Hellner

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New flag at Clubhouse before Memorial Stone  Photo by Milan Zimer Retired Air Force General Chet Butcher talks to crowd Navy Vet Norm Beausoleil - Invocation New flag at Clubhouse before Memorial Stone  Photo by Milan Zimer

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New Memorial Marker dedicated Memorial Day 2001 -Photo by Ron McQuaide Flag at half mast       Memorial Day 2001  Photo by Ron McQuaide Memorial Day Dedication 2001  Photo by Ron McQuaide Veterans Flag Chairman Rich Hill with wife Monica & grandson, Trenton Quigley - Photo by Ron McQuaide

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Widows and family of deceased Lexington Veterans - Photo by Ron McQuaide Crowd at Memorial Day Dedication - Photo by Ron McQuaide Four year old Trenton Quigley, great grandson of the late WWII Veteran Bob Hellner saluting - Photo by Ron McQuaide VFW Post 10097 Honor Guard - Ladies Auxiliary on left - Photo by Ron McQuaide
 

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Whitney Houston sings "The National Anthem"