Armed Forces Day held this Saturday
The McMinnville Evening Exchange Club will be sponsoring its annual Armed Forces Day Saturday at the gazebo on Court Square. This year’s event will mark the fifth year the organization has been involved with the national effort to recognize those who serve in the military.
The program will begin with a performance by the Silver and Gold Band at 9:30 a.m. A flag ceremony will also be presented with the participation of some of our local boy scouts.
Local radio personality, and retired Col. Thomas Vaughn will act as master of ceremonies and state Rep. Judd Matheny will be the featured speaker.
This year’s event will have a special significance because of Warren County residents who have served overseas in the recent conflict in Iraq. In the past, organizers have made an effort to read a list of local residents on active duty in the various armed forces, but this year, due to privacy and security concerns, as well as the fact a complete list could not be obtained, this will not be done. The organizers felt that recognizing some while leaving others out would defeat the purpose of this part of the ceremony.
The Evening Exchange Club’s Lester Cowell said the event is an effort to show the appreciation of Warren County residents.
“We’d like to thank those in the service for the job they’re doing,” Cowell said. “They’re doing a great job and I think they ought to be honored.”