Author: Terry Ward

11thAnnual “HONORING AMERICA’S FLAG”

May 26-29, 2023

Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

Town Clock Center, N Mt. Juliet Rd & East Division Street

The Exchange Club of West Wilson County, and The American Legion Tyler Cates Post 281 are proud to host the 11th annual “Honoring America’s Flag”. This is an event, open to the public and free of charge, to raise awareness and funds for the on-going charitable services provided by our service organizations.

The grassy field at Town Clock Center (Train Station) will be transformed into a field of American Flags in perfect rows and columns in an awe-inspiring tribute to honor men and women who sacrifice their time, talents—even their lives for this great country. Each flag will fly in honor or in memory of a loved one.

Sponsor a flag for all who serve and sacrifice or for a personal hero in your life. At the end of the event take the flag home, to your business or present it to your hero to fly and continue the tribute.

To become a sponsor, dedicate a flag, volunteer or for additional information please visit our website at

www.healingfield.org/event/mtjuliettn23 or www.westwilsoncountyexchangeclub.com or call 615.289.7623

About Us . . . . .

The Exchange Club of West Wilson County is a group of men and women, working together to make our community a better place to live through four programs of Service:

• Americanism
• Community Service
• Youth Activities
• The Prevention of Child Abuse

For over a hundred years, Exchange club volunteer efforts have supported the needs of the country and of local communities, making it the country’s oldest American service club.

The Exchange Club meets the 4th Tuesday. Please call Nancy Britt 615-289-7623 for the location.

The American Legion Tyler Cates Post 281 in Mt. Juliet, TN is a group of men and women veterans who support the four pillars of the American Legion. Named after LCPL Tyler Cates who was killed in Iraq in 2004. We are committed to:

• Pillar I: Veterans Affairs
• Pillar II: National Security
• Pillar III: Americanism
• Pillar IV: Children and Youth

American Legion Post 281 meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 PM on the Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center. For more information go to www.mtjulietalpost281.com.

All 281 members,

We need a strong turnout of volunteers tomorrow for assembling the flags used in our Honoring America’s Flag event, at Nancy and Barry Britt’s home.    

Address for the Britt’s home is: 291 Quill Road, Mt. Juliet, with a 0900 show time.    It’s indoor work, and typically a good time of camaraderie.  Come join us!      

Notice for all Post 281 members and all Veterans who would like to attend.   

Once again, the wonderful folks at Mission BBQ  at Opry Mills are providing food for tonight’s meeting at the Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center, starting at 6:00 PM.  Our Commander, and his Commander (Gloria), are adding to the meal and bringing dessert too.  All attending tonight will be assured to have plenty to eat.   If you’ve thought about inviting a guest veteran to attend with you, here’s a great and tasty opportunity.   

If you’re among those who served during the Vietnam era—whether in Vietnam, on foreign soil, or here domestically—or if you know someone who has, please mark your calendars. Stop in any MISSION BBQ on March 29th and bring your Vietnam Veteran Hero. We hope to see you next week!

Proudly Serving Those Who Serve,
Your Friends at MISSION BBQ

We hope all members will take advantage of this great opportunity.  

Phil Laprad, Mobility Chairman of the Vietnam Veterans of America, (VVA) Chapter 1089 of Rutherford County, is a veteran who is serious about continuing to serve his country, his community, and fellow veterans. 

Phil and his crew install chair lifts, exit/entry ramps,  handicap ramps and chair lifts for vehicles, handicap beds and bathroom aids, and assemble hospital beds in homes.  Phil also services used mobility scooters and installs vehicle carriers.  He also helps maintain handicap equipment with follow-on servicing for veterans and their family members who cannot qualify for service by the VA. It may be a temporary solution, but if nothing else he’ll do what he can until the VA can take over.  Phil and his crew also collect older mobility equipment, like beds and ramps, and services them to be used by another veteran.  Often, Phil and his crew provide help to veterans before the VA can get the approval process.   

There is no cost to veterans.  

His group is from VVA Chapter 1089, Murfreesboro.  He has 2 or 3 volunteers who help.  Phil came and gave a presentation about his work a few years ago to our post.  As a result, Post 281 members donated over $300 out of their pocket to help in purchasing wiring, nuts, screws, and bolts used to rebuild electric motors and batteries.

Phil has agreed to come and visit us on 8 March at our next post meeting.  Phil is planning to bring one of his helpers too.  If you know of veterans who are in need of his talents and skills, contact us through our link on the website and we will endevor to connect the dots for them.   Also, plan on coming to our meeting next month and meet him.