On July 4, the annual flag changing ceremony was held at Eagle Park on Turner’s Pond. Jerry Madden led the ceremony and members of the American Legion as well as representatives of the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines lowered the old flags and replaced them with new ones.
Mayor Nick Cox spoke, saying, “I pass Eagle Park every day, and I think about all those local heroes that served our country. I’m so glad to live in the United States, and I’m also so proud to live in the City of Minden, a place where we take pride in those heroes who served so willingly and a place that values the way our flags look.”
The ceremony included the singing of the National Anthem, a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a reading of the American’s Creed, and the presentation of the memorial wreath to the accompaniment of Taps played on a trumpet.
Roy Kirkham was recognized posthumously for his extended services to the United States. His daughter, Renee, and her husband accepted a certificate of resolution acknowledging his many accomplishments.
The late Captain Terry Snook’s many services to his community and country were also recognized. His wife was present to accept this acknowledgement. Snook will soon have his plaque added to the Wall of Honor in Eagle Park.
Before the changing of the flags, Madden spoke about researching a soldier of the American Revolution, Colonel Arthur Campbell, and he urged his fellow citizens to learn more about their ancestors and their accomplishments. “We all have a past. We all have a history. Be proud of your family; be proud of what they did,” said Madden.
