On Friday 11/9/18, the Club celebrated Veteran’s Day with our annual One Nation Under God program. The morning featured a presentation by the Executive Director of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, Brigadier General Patrick X. Mordente (U.S. Air Force, ret.). Gen. Mordente explained the evolving nature of civilian-military relations by weaving that theme through a fascinating description of his journey from the Air Force Academy through his service as Wing Commander at Ramstein Air Base in Germany and his retirement as Deputy Director of Operations and Plans, U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base in Illinois after 29 years of active service to illustrate the impact serving in the Armed Forces has on our soldiers and their families. As a Club, community, and country, we need reminders like those shared by General Mordente of the sacrifices our servicemen and women and their families make and have made in securing the freedoms we enjoy.
The Club was also honored to have members of Boy Scout Troop 435 serve as Color Guard and lead the Pledge of Allegiance and the Espree acapella ensemble from Lake Highland High School provide music and lead the Star Spangled Banner and close the meeting with the traditional singing of My Country ‘Tis of Thee.
The Exchange Club extends its thanks to General Mordente, Troop 435, and Espree for their efforts to make this meeting a memorable event and a special thanks to those who have served or who have had family members who have served our country in the armed forces. We will never forget your sacrifices.