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Show PANGLTICII • PANGUITCHLAKK • HATCH • BRYCI: • TROPIC • ANTIMONY • HF.NRIEVII.M-: • CANNONVIU.E • ESCALANTI: • BOUI.DKR • D I C K CREEK Thursday, June 29, 2006 • Issue # 66 TRIPLE DEUCE... WELCOME HOME Family, friends and loved-ones gathered at the community flagpole Saturday night to welcome home their citizen-soldier heroes of the Triple Deuce. Service Battery, consisting of nineteen men from the Panguitch/Hatch areas, has been deployed since January 2005, and spent a year in Ramadi, Iraq. The returning servicemen performed a flag ceremony, lowering the flag, and removing the yellow ribbon, donated by the Panguitch Lions Club, which has been up since theflagpolewas raised last August. The crowd began singing; "God, Bless America" and "America the Beautiful." Mayor Art Cooper said a few words, and the servicemen were presented their keepsake flags by Phil Norton. At this point, the soldiers loaded on the fire engines and were led through Panguitch, sirens and horns blaring. The procession started with the BMW Motorcycle Club led by a retired Colonel of the Utah National Guard. It was an awesome sight as community members honked and waved flags in honor of the 222. Tourists and townspeople alike, flocked to main street to salute, clap and wave as the two-mile long string of cars made its way to the track at Panguitch High School. There were hugs, tears, and words of gratitude from those gathered. One tourist was honored to witness this welcome home, and was impressed by the communities' support of our soldiers. A big thank-you is extended to our volunteer fire department, local law enforcement officers and anyone who helped in anyway with the celebration. Also, Deanna Moore, Family Readiness Group coordinaWEATHER tor, expressed gratitude to all who assisted our soldier's O-if-'r F O ' 9 ^ • families in any way while they were deployed. We are grateful to have our soldiers inn 30 home, and wish them well as they settle into civilian life. iflt Jul 1 It's with pride we say, "Well done!" and "Welcome 5.1*0 : 82°F Home!" &l^fA-t.C: Jul 3 BI°F Jul 4 Q3°r- Wed 85°F in) b BALLOON RALLY BRIGHTENS THE SKY By Jill Barlow The Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally was held June 23rd thru 25th. As expected, it was a spectacular event. Cheryl Church, Panguitch Main Street Balloon Rally coordinator, put hours of effort into creating this memorable experience. I must admit I was a bit groggy when I woke up at 5:30 am to go to the launch field. However, I perked right up when I saw the beautiful colors of the balloons as they inflated before my eyes. I was fortunate enough to go for a ride in a hot air balloon. The balloon's name was, Early Inheritance, piloted by Mona Johnson from Tucson, Arizona. She has been a hot air balloon pilot for 16 years. In 1999, Cruiser, her spunky golden retriever, joined the crew. "The excitement of seeing a first timer experience the freedom of being up in the air is about as good as it gets" said Johnson when asked what she loves the most about hot air ballooning. Many, hot air balloon pilots came from all over the country to be a part of the Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally. This year 35 hot air balloons and 1 Helium Cluster Balloonist participated. As the Balloon Rally grows so does our anticipation for the event each year. Many relatives, friends, and tourists came to Panguitch to enjoy the Balloon Rally. "It's an event I don't want to miss next year. I'm so glad I came to Panguitch," said Gandace Anderson, tourist. Big THANKS go out to Panguitch Main Street, all the sponsors, and everyone who worked so hard to bring the Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally together for another successful year. The hot air balloon pilots end each flight with this prayer, so it's fitting that we should end this year's event with it too. "The winds have welcomed you with softness, the sun has blessed you with its warm hands, you have flown so high and so well, that God has joined you in your laughter and set you gently back into the loving arms of Mother Earth." There s only one comer of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that !v your own self. Aldous Huxley BOXHOLDER > £ ^ A m&*J6AAlLjrt snapshot@scinternet.net PRE-SORT STANDARD PAID LOA, UTAH Loa, Utah 84747 PERMIT No. 5 Phone: 435-676-2621 THE GARFIFXD COUNTY INSIDER is owned and operated by Snapshot Multimedia and distributed weekly to all of Gartield County . Its purpose is to inform residents about local issues and events. Thank you. |