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By Tami Jo Nix

It has been quite a journey, but the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1981 welcomed the public Thursday to the ribbon-cutting and flag-raising ceremonies at its new social hall at 2026 N. Granada Drive.

Dignitaries turned out in force to help welcome the community to the post's first official function. Despite the brisk weather, about 150 people showed up to help christen the building.

The Madera District Chamber of Commerce assisted with the ribbon-cutting ceremony and the post's color guard raised the American, VFW and Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flags for the first time. When the building is viewed from North Granada Drive, the Stars and Stripes stand in the center, with the VFW flag on the left and the POW/MIA flag on the right.

"We honor those who served, so we can be free," said Debi Bray, executive director of the Madera District Chamber of Commerce. "It is very appropriate that we raise the flag on the land of the free at the new home of the brave. It also serves to remind us of the men and women on active duty in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard and the sacrifices they and their families make in defense of freedom."

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Tami Jo Nix Tami Jo Nix is a senior staff writer, photographer and community / features writer for the Madera Tribune. You can contact Tami Jo at 674.8134 ext. 231 or e-mail at tamijo (at) maderatribune.net Tami Jo also handles community calendar items and wedding announcements. The Madera Tribune online subscription To subscribe or log on, CLICK HERE. For more information first, CLICK HERE.