Plano East Rotary Club is planning a patriotic tribute to American veterans that it hopes will become an annual event in Plano. Flags of Honor is an effort placing 1,000 3×5-ft. American flags in the field at Plano’s Oak Point Park Nov. 10-12. The tribute also includes three patriotic ceremonies for the public to attend over Veterans Day weekend.
Anyone may sponsor a flag for $50 to honor a loved one who served. Each flag will bear a customized plaque with the name and picture of the honoree, along with branch of service and dates of service. The plaque will be given to the sponsor at the end of the event.
A one-hour program at 4:30 pm. each day of Veterans Day weekend will feature local speakers and patriotic music, including “The Star Spangled Banner” and dueling “Taps.” Friday, Nov. 10 is the Marine Birthday Celebration, followed by a Veteran’s Day Celebration and a Memorial Celebration on Saturday and Sunday.
Randy Wright, Plano East Rotary Club’s Administration Chair, said the project was initiated to “provide a positive, patriotic display to honor and support all who serve in the military – active, retired and killed in action – and Police and Fire.” The 348 killed in action from Collin County will each have a flag marked with details about the individual.
Plano East Rotary Club was chartered in March of this year, with a major goal being community service. Members of the Flags of Honor committee raised approximately $25,000 in corporate and individual support to purchase the flags for this inaugural year. Corporate sponsors and sponsorship information can be found on the website.
Details of the weekend ceremonies:
Friday, Nov. 10 at 4:30 p.m. // Marine Birthday Celebration
Speakers: Hon. Jeff Leach, Texas Legislator; Hon. Rick Grady, Plano Mayor Pro Tem
Music performed by members of Vocal Majority and Rich-Tones
Saturday, Nov. 11 at 4:30 p.m. // Veteran’s Day Celebration
Speakers: Hon. Van Taylor, Texas Senator; Greg Rushin, Plano Police Chief; Sam Greif, Plano Fire Chief
Music performed by Saturday Singers
Sunday, Nov. 12 at 4:30 p.m. // Memorial Celebration
Speakers: Ean Sullivan, Retired, USMC; Major General Keith Thurgood, US Army Retired
Music performed by Ladies Liberty
Thank you