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Current Issue Links
Parade of flags to return for 2009
Organizers of last year’s Parade of 1000 Flags have announced the start of preparations for the event’s
return on Sept. 5.
The parade opens Ridgecrest’s week of events commemorating the attacks of 9-11 and honoring the
heroic efforts of those who defend our country and our freedom.
Last year’s event included more than 1,000 flag carriers and a host of people working behind the scenes –
a massive number of volunteers for a community of this size.
To Capt. Mick Gleason, the parade’s grand marshal and former commanding officer of the Naval Air
Weapons Station, one of the event’s best features is that it gets so many people involved. “It’s a wonderful
opportunity to display our patriotism,” he said. “Watching all those flags flow down the street during the
parade was motivating. And it’s just a lot of fun.”
“This community has such a patriotic spirit,” said Patricia Farris, who coordinates the event on behalf of its
organizer, the Ridgecrest Exchange Club. “We were so inspired to see all the people who carried our country’
s flag and came out to show their support for what it stands for.”
After such a successful first year, Gleason said his goal for this year is to maximize participation.
To enlist all the volunteers needed to pull off the event, the parade is looking for team captains to put
together teams of flag carriers. Last year, dozens of teams represented churches, schools, businesses,
families and other groups.
The parade also welcomes individual volunteers and needs the support of sponsors to cover its costs.
For more information or to volunteer, call Farris at 371-4301.
return on Sept. 5.
The parade opens Ridgecrest’s week of events commemorating the attacks of 9-11 and honoring the
heroic efforts of those who defend our country and our freedom.
Last year’s event included more than 1,000 flag carriers and a host of people working behind the scenes –
a massive number of volunteers for a community of this size.
To Capt. Mick Gleason, the parade’s grand marshal and former commanding officer of the Naval Air
Weapons Station, one of the event’s best features is that it gets so many people involved. “It’s a wonderful
opportunity to display our patriotism,” he said. “Watching all those flags flow down the street during the
parade was motivating. And it’s just a lot of fun.”
“This community has such a patriotic spirit,” said Patricia Farris, who coordinates the event on behalf of its
organizer, the Ridgecrest Exchange Club. “We were so inspired to see all the people who carried our country’
s flag and came out to show their support for what it stands for.”
After such a successful first year, Gleason said his goal for this year is to maximize participation.
To enlist all the volunteers needed to pull off the event, the parade is looking for team captains to put
together teams of flag carriers. Last year, dozens of teams represented churches, schools, businesses,
families and other groups.
The parade also welcomes individual volunteers and needs the support of sponsors to cover its costs.
For more information or to volunteer, call Farris at 371-4301.
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By ADAM L. R. SUMMERS
News Review Staff Writer
News Review Staff Writer
| A thousand flag bearers march in the Parade of 1,000 Flags in September 2008. The parade down Ridgecrest Boulevard moved to Freedom Park, where flags were posted at the Remembrance Field preceding the 9-11 candlelight vigil. Photo by Laura Austin |