The red, white and blue of Lemoore
By Sara L. MedinaIf you stand in the center of Lemoore City Park, you can turn in any direction and see red, white and blue. In fact, taking a walk around the park, which is a small city block in the middle of a neighborhood, you can count at least 16 houses that proudly display a U.S. flag or flag-inspired banner in the front yard.
Welcome to small-town patriotism.
With a population of 23,000, the city of Lemoore is about 7 miles east of Lemoore Naval Air Station, home to 7,197 active-duty members of the Armed Forces and about 10,000 to 11,000 dependents, says Dennis McGrath, public affairs officer at LNAS.
With approximately half of its military members and families living on base and the other half living in surrounding cities and towns, it’s easy to see what makes Lemoore so patriotic.
Lynda Lahodny, CEO of the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce, says Lemoore’s small-town atmosphere and close proximity to the air station contributes to the city’s American pride.
“We all have neighbors and friends that are in the military,” she says. “We see the sacrifices that they make. We hear the jets overhead. Here, the military is a part of the community.”
Lemoore strives to show its patriotism and to honor all those who serve our country. For example, banners are placed downtown to welcome home squadrons returning from deployment. Occasionally, yellow ribbons are tied to trees in the downtown area to serve as a reminder of those serving overseas, Lahodny says.
Events such as the Lemoore-Navy July Fourth Celebration, a 25-plus year tradition, also honor those who serve our country. The celebration is a collaborative effort between the city, the air station and various other organizations.
A few of this year’s highlights included a parade and a 3-by-6-foot three-layer cake served to the several thousands in attendance, Lahodny says. Various other organizations participate in the celebration. For example, the Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department led this year’s parade with its 11 fire engines, proudly displaying the U.S. flag and U.S. military flags to honor those serving overseas, says John Olivas, volunteer engineer at the fire department.
“Our men are very proud of our department and the American flag. We treat it with respect.”
Michelle Alexander, a Canadian-born Lemoore resident whose husband, Curt, is a Navy airman, says Lemoore is different from larger cities because it recognizes the military, even in everyday operations.
“Lemoore is different because of its traditional, small-town atmosphere,” she says. “I think that is one of the reasons why the town is so supportive of the military.”