By Bonnie Culverhouse

Every year, July Fourth is the day of an emotional flag-changing ceremony at Eagle Park in Minden.

Last Friday was no exception.

Jerry Madden welcomed the crowd, as did Mayor Nick Cox. Cayla Cox led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Capt. Paul Kitchens gave an account of his trip to Normandy this past commemoration of D-Day where he said he and many others paused, reflected and remembered.
“The American Cemetery there has 9,388 plots,” Kitchens said. “There are 53 brothers buried there. What do you say to their families? You pray, ‘Heavenly Father, assuage their anguish and bereavement.’”
Honor Guard Commander Richard Campbell, members of American Legion Wiley-Pevy Post #74 and other veterans changed all flags, which had been flying since last July Fourth.

Les and Sue Williams of Hunter-Rickerson VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 2885 and Auxiliary placed the memorial wreath and Mike Solomon played Taps. Afterward all gathered sang the National Anthem and saluted the American Flag.