Community donates flags for holiday Published July 16, 2009 By Senior Airman Ryan S. Ivacic 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- More than 200 individuals were present for the dedication of the Veteran's Avenue of Flags July 4 at the Barksdale North Gate entrance. The event marks the first Veteran's Avenue of Flags in the area and serves as a way to show respect and honor to our veterans as well as our active duty and guard and reserve servicemembers at home or abroad. Several agencies came together to make this event possible. Barksdale Air Force Base along with base leadership, the Barksdale Retiree Activities Office, the Barksdale Federal Credit Union and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5951, held a dedication ceremony in honor military personnel, past and present. "The Veteran's Avenue of Flags represents the symbol of our freedom and the symbol of our strength as a nation," said Col. Steven Basham, 2d Bomb Wing commander. "This day is a constant reminder of the vast freedoms we enjoy and the unmatched opportunities awaiting every American." The event consisted of a dedication ceremony, a ribbon cutting and a musical presentation by the 156th Louisiana Army National Guard Band. Retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and recipient of the Air Force Cross for valor, George Finck and Bossier City Mayor Lo Walker also spoke during the ceremony. Mayor Walker gave a speech about the ability for people with different beliefs and social classes to come together and be able to celebrate our nation's birthday together. "It's resurgence of patriotism our country has always been known for," said Mayor Walker. "Even if people don't appreciate the war we are in, they still appreciate the military person." Five thousand dollars of donated money allowed for 100 United States flags to be purchased and installed along the avenue. The flags will be flown during all national holidays, from the North Gate entrance to Patricia Drive.