Poteet PD receives flag pole


Erika Vela | Pleasanton Express
A Poteet boy waves his flags patriotically at the 9/11 memorial and flag pole dedication in Poteet on Saturday, September 2.

 

It was hands over hearts on Saturday, Sept. 9 as residents of Poteet gathered at the police department for a 9/11 memorial and flag pole dedication ceremony.

The Poteet PD was a recipient of a flag pole and flag donation from the Woodmen of the World Society Chapter #4525 of San Antonio. Each year, the society searches for public buildings and places that are in need of a flag display. Each year around September 11 they honor the many heroes and victims of that tragic day in 2001. WoodmenLife pays tribute to members of the military, both active and veteran members, and first responders who selflessly protect America’s freedom, liberty and safety.

“Woodmen is a patriotic, fraternal organization. Our main focus is community, family and country. We try to find places that need flags to help promote patriotism. We’ve done one ceremony a year since 2002. Today’s event is probably the best ceremony we’ve had,” said WoodmenLife chapter member Pati Riou.

Poteet Police Chief Bruce Hickman spoke about being grateful for the courage of first responders and thanked all who had a hand in making the day’s ceremony possible.

“I’d like to thank WoodmenLife for coming out and setting this up and inspiring the facelift to our building,” said Hickman. “Community, I thank you for coming out and showing up to support us. We felt honored to answer the call to accept this donation from WoodmenLife.”

Erika Vela | Pleasanton Express

Several members of the Poteet community took part in the ceremony. First United Methodist Pastor Dave Collett provided the invocation, followed by the sounding of a Poteet VFD truck’s siren. The Poteet Aggie Band provided music and the Pleasanton-Poteet-Jourdanton Army JROTC Eagle Battalion Color Guard and VFW Post #6970 Colorguard presented the colors. Pastor Willie Haak of Poteet’s First Baptist Church read a poem entitled “I am the flag.” Pastor Robert Robles of Resurrected Life Church spoke about how 9/11 changed the way Americans live and brought unity in the USA.

Erika Vela | Pleasanton Express

“I think what Chief Bruce Hickman and his wife Jennifer have done today signifies their devotion to the community that they serve. That’s evident by the officers that were present and all the volunteers that participated,” said City Administrator Eric Jiminez. “Many thanks to the WoodmenLife of San Antonio chapter that was gracious enough to donate a flag pole and the flags to the Poteet PD. As you can see, we had a great turnout and people came to show their commitment to the city of Poteet. We’re a small community but there comes a time to give back and show we’re here for one another.”

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