By JEANNI RITCHIE
National Flag Day was celebrated at the Pineville Riverfront last Friday with the 3rd annual Exchange Club of Central Louisiana’s Field of Honor hosted by the City of Pineville. It is the only official flag ceremony in Louisiana.
After a warm welcome by Exchange Club member Dwain Dubroc, tribute was paid to his event co-chair Martin Masden, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year.
“Martin was a driving force behind the Field of Honor program, with a deep belief not only in country, but the right to stand for your country. He especially wanted to honor those who had the commitment to die for the country they so strongly believed in,” Dubroc shared.
I have no doubt that Mr. Masden would’ve been pleased at the turnout for this year’s ceremony, dedicated in his honor.
Led in prayer by Pineville Councilman and Pastor Nathan Martin, attendees then proudly joined in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Fellow councilman Tom Bouchie led the crowd in the National Anthem before guest speaker, Pineville Mayor Rich Dupree, recognized the many organizations, agencies, and individuals gathered for the event. The patriotism exhibited on the riverfront was astounding.
Presenting the Cenla Exchange Club with a special plaque for their service, he noted that they embody what makes the town #pinevilleproud, inscripted on the award.
Mayor Dupree shared the history of Flag Day along with some fun flag facts and FAQs about the flag, including the storied debate on who actually designed the first flag. With all due respect to Declaration of Independence signer Francis Hopkinson, I’ll forever be Team Betsy Ross!
The Exchange Club had a flag for each branch of military service, including the Space Force flag, unveiled in 2020. In addition to flags for Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, flags representing Law Enforcement and Firefighters were on display as well.
Behind those flags were 109 US flags lined up across the field. Each was donated by a sponsor to an individual or a group.
Alexandria City Marshal Jerome Hopewell attended last year and immediately knew he’d be a sponsor this year. “I thought that this was a wonderful way to remember someone who is no longer with us and to celebrate Flag Day at the same time.”
Other sponsors include Mockler Beverage Company, Kirk Cooper, Kinetix Broadband, LLC, Proctor & Gamble, Rapides Foundation Wellspring Advisor Group, Wendy’s, Matt Davis, Despino Tire Service, Paul & Susan Hebert, Hilltop Nursing & Rehabilitation, The Masden Family, David Michaels, Naomi Heights Nursing Home, Greg O’Quinn, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Red River Bank, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1131, Jorge & Phyllis Vilar, Darryl Andrews State Farm, Thomas Easterling, Hays Manufacturing Company, Kramer Funeral Home, Mattye & Charles Phillips, Charles & Tonie Papadakes, and many more individuals.
“Thank you to each and every one of you that purchased a flag to honor your loved one, your personal hero, the military, first responders, veterans, law enforcement….every one is definitely appreciated.” Susan Hauk Dubroc shared.
Flags purchased for the ceremony are returned to donors the day after the ceremony. “Please consider supporting this event for next year,” Dubroc continued.
If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor for next year’s Field of Honor, contact info@
“Our national motto is Unity for Service. Proceeds from our fundraisers go directly back into the community in a variety of projects like Cenla’s Back to School Bash, Sunshine Special for St. Mary’s, freedom shrines, and scholarships for local youth.” Dr. Jim Rogers, Professor of History, Louisiana State University of Alexandria explained.
Support our country, stand for our flag, and make a difference right here in our community.
Jeanni Ritchie is a community journalist with a deep love for Central Louisiana and the United States of America. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.