The Noon Exchange has exciting news to share. One of its members has recently received a prestigious appointment from the Texas governor, and planning has begun for this year’s Labor Day Parade.
The club’s president Jim Bookhout was recently appointed an Admiral in the Texas Navy by Governor Greg Abbott. He received the appointment because of his long record of community service and volunteerism. 
The individuals who receive this award have demonstrated their dedication to Texas through their accomplishments, service and sacrifice. In addition to his other service, Bookhout is a former Garland City Council member.
History of the appointment:
During the 1950s, Governor Price Daniel popularized a tradition of Texas governors honoring citizens of Texas by proclaiming them “Admirals in the Texas Navy.” Citizens receive their honorary title for a number of reasons such as special achievement in government service or athletics. The criteria and the selection are at the discretion of the governor. Many citizens are nominated by their state legislators. Native-born Texans are designated as “admirals.” Non-native Texans are “honorary admirals.”
In addition, the Noon Exchange Club is currently planning the 2023 Labor Day Parade, which will be held Monday, Sept. 4. This year’s parade, which begins at 9 a.m., will feature over 50 entries as well as fine arts groups from all seven Garland Independent School District high schools. 
If you would like to enter your organization in the parade, a completed registration form must be submitted by Aug 25.
Visit NoonExchangeClubofGarland.org for registration forms. For more information, email noonexchangeclubofgarland@yahoo.com.
This year’s parade route will bypass the downtown Garland square because of the ongoing construction. The route begins at Central Park and will proceed north on Glenbrook Drive to Austin Street.
The Noon Exchange Club of Garland has been serving the Garland Community for 42 years. The club’s meetings are held every Wednesday at Ernesto’s Mexican Restaurant at 1518 Northwest Highway in Garland. The meetings include fellowship, fun, good food and interesting speakers. Visitors are always welcome and encouraged to join. For more information, visit noonexchangeclubofgarland.org