Veterans Liaison Board reviews ceremonies, Veterans Plaza flags and outreach plans

Cy Simonson and members of the Veterans Liaison Board updated council on recent ceremonies, outreach efforts to assisted-living and veterans facilities, and Veterans Plaza flag display options.

Simonson reviewed the group’s recent work on Memorial Day ceremonies and noted plans for the upcoming Memorial Day program featuring speaker Doug Peterson, a Vietnam-era helicopter pilot. The board described a program to provide certificates of appreciation for veterans to display outside independent- and assisted-living doors; members said the military emblems are trademarked and they are working on an approved format.

The board also discussed Veterans Plaza and how to display flags there. Options under consideration included placing the POW/MIA flag under the U.S. flag on a single pole, or arranging flags across two poles so the POW/MIA flag can be displayed prominently. Simonson said the American flag code and various veterans groups offer differing guidance; the board will coordinate with staff (Chuck) to settle the layout and avoid costly pole changes.

Upcoming outreach items: Memorial Day planning, potential participation in the Fall Festival and Veterans Day ceremonies (the board is pursuing a Medal of Honor recipient as a speaker), and distribution of informational business-card–style materials linking to veterans resources in Flower Mound. Board members also proposed a quiet or “silent fourth” alternative event for residents with PTSD during Independence Day celebrations.

The board closed by inviting questions and said it would finalize flag placement after staff discussion.