This year we had a great Memorial Day with all those involved. Saturday, we had a great turnout at Mesa Cemetery of about 75 people to help with getting the flags out on the veteran gravestones. And on Monday morning we had a great ceremony that was organised by our own Chaplain Frank 'Gunny' Alger. A big Bravo Zulu to you comrade on a job well done!
This year's Memorial Day activities we had a lot of help by a number of organizations to several different capacities. We had big contributions from the East Valley Young Marines and the USNSCC Black Eagles Squadron with both the ceremony and the flags. Also a big thanks goes out to the American Legion Post 26 Honor Guard in their 'Salute the Dead' rifle salute and 'Taps' bugler. And it goes without also Thanking our own Auxiliary for providing water bottles and treats (treats courtesy of Brookdale Senior Living Solutions) on site for which the young soldiers, sailors and all other volunteers and those in attendance were thankful for.
The number of photos are extensive, and to view all the photos feel free to visit our Facebook page, and the East Valley Young Marines FB page.
We've also put together a video that gives a photo collage, the Honor Guard video and thanks to everyone.
To conclude, we want to thank the following for attending and/or participating in this year's Memorial Day event:
City of Mesa Councilmember Kevin Thompson (speaker)
Commander VFW Post 1760 - Bob Laubinger (speaker) and membership
Commander DAV East Valley Chapter 8 - Marvin Haines (Keynote speaker)
Commander American Legion Post 26 - Ole Bjerk (Honor Guard),
Michael Thelen & Bill Brumme (speakers)
President VFW Post 1760 Auxliary - Barbara White
with Angela Donkers, Sheryl Morton & Betty Jacot (ceremony support)
President DAV East Valley Chapter 8 Auxiliary - Tina Haines & Chaplain Carol Thomason (wreath presenters)
President American Legion Post 26 Auxiliary - Sarah Horkey
Commander East Valley Young Marines - Dana Lippincott & unit
(ceremony support)
Commander USNSCC Black Eagle Squadron - Lt. Wayne Baker & unit
(ceremony support)
American Legion Post 26 Honor Guard
American Legion Riders Post 2 & 26 - John Lehner (Post 26 speaker)
Daughters of the American Revolution Saguaro Chapter ASDAR - Linda Weaver
(wreath presenter) & Diana Johnson
President - East Valley Masonic High Twelve Club #765 - Paul Howell
(wreath presenter)
Thunder Mountain VFW Riders
Cub Scout pack 954
Veteran Concrete & Plumbing
(*gallery of photos to be added w/this website migration - 2017)
