Ceremony Dedicating a POW/MIA Flag held at Dixon May Fair[Dixon Veterans News - May 8, 2003] Speakers, patriotic songs, a KC-135 flyover, and Travis Air Force Base and Vanden High School ROTC honor guards highlighted a patriotic tribute at 4 p.m., Thursday, May 8 in the Dixon May Fair courtyard. The occasion was in tribute to Solano County's military (active duty, reserves and retired), coupled with a dedication of a newly installed 35-foot high flagpole complex, which now flies the American, POW-MIA and California Bear flags. Keynote inspirational speaker was Adrienne Monroe, former representative for State Senator Michael Machado. Monroe's grandfather, father and husband (Jeff, a Woodland City Council member and sergeant in the Yolo County Sheriff's Department) all served in the military. Bob Green of Vacaville, a professional singer for more than 30 years, sang the national anthem and "America, the Beautiful." The JROTC members laid service caps at a vacant table set for the ceremony to honor comrades not present. The TAFB Honor Guard presented and raised the POW/MIA Flag before the crowd of veterans and citizens. Country singer Susie Weston of Fairfield sang Lee Greenwood's hit, "God Bless the USA." Spearheading plans for the ceremony were Donnie Huffman, president of the Friends of the Fair, and George Tucker of Vacaville, retired Air Force veteran who served as command chief of the 60th Military Airlift Wing. Friends of the Fair donated the funds for the $3500 project, and along with the fair's maintenance staff, erected it. Last July 18 the fair hosted the North Bay Stand Down, Solano County's first homeless veterans' event. It drew some 100 area homeless veterans; nearly half signed up for VA benefits for the first time. Many were screened for Agent Orange exposure and referrals for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The Stand Down event, featuring a barbecue, band, and camaraderie, also offered services, such as free haircuts, eyeglasses, sleeping bags and podiatrist appointments. "Last July we donated our fairgrounds to host the Stand Down," Green said. "On Thursday, we're Standing Up for all our military." (NOTE: Plans are in the works for another "North Bay Stand Down" in October.) Pictures by Heber Holbrook. (click on a picture to enlarge it)
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