Once again we have come to celebrate another one of our great National Holidays; Veterans Day is indeed a day to show our patriotism and also our appreciation to all our Veterans.

     In keeping with the patriotic tradition of patriotism, we should all do our part as Americans. Let us all show our Veterans how proud we are of them, for serving their country; our country.

     My loyal readers, for over twenty years, I have been doing my part to promote patriotism. Ever since my poetic patriotic composition, “LET HER FLY” first appeared in the The Glennville Sentinel, I have been giving out copies of that composition.

     When I returned from Georgia, I visited my good friend Robert Hinds, at The Enterprise and I showed him a copy of the composition, in the Georgia newspaper. He was very impressed and told me, “DUKE, I want a copy to hang here in my front office, but I want you to sign it.” And I did. It was the first copy to be displayed anywhere in this valley of The Rio Grand. And every time there was a Veterans’ event, Robert would put it in his paper, The Mercedes Enterprise. It was Roberts’ idea for me to take the composition to tha businesses, to be placed where the people could read it. I complied with his wish and am still doing so, to this day. I have lost count of the number of offices and businesses that display my composition, but I do know they are all over this great valley.

     Today, here in my column, I would like to highlight four new businesses in Mercedes, which are now showing their patriotism to their country.

     And at this point in time I would also like to recognize The Texas National Bank in downtown Mercedes, Texas. That bank now has on display, the Only Texas size poetic composition of “LET HER FLY”. I am truly honored that they now display it in their lobby, for all our American Veterans to read.

     Since I am only focusing on our Hometown Patriotism, allow me to mention the other businesses in Mercedes, who display my composition. The following businesses are all on Texas Street. Anaquitas Bar-B-Q House, Juanitos’ Restaurant, Armendariz Statefarm Insurance, PAPA Joes Café, and Dannys Café. Also in Mercedes, American Legion Post 172, Police Chief Sanchez’ office, and The Mercedes Enterprise.

     My good friends, on this Veterans’ Day, let us all fly our American Flags. Show our American Veterans how proud we are of them. Let us honor all who have served, all who are serving and specially those who paid the ultimate price.

   In my composition of “LET HER FLY” there is a specific line that says, ‘A LOT OF GOOD MEN GAVE THEIR LIFES; FOR FREEDOM AND FOR PEACE, THAT WAS THE PRICE’.

     GOD Bless the U.S.A.  

     DUKE MARTELL