Carefree Truth
Issue #752, May 31, 2019
Vice Mayor John Crane, a former Navy submarine officer, opened the Memorial Day ceremony.
Issue #752, May 31, 2019
Vice Mayor John Crane, a former Navy submarine officer, opened the Memorial Day ceremony.
Photo by Herbert Hitchon
"Good Morning. For those of you who have visited the Cave Creek Cemetery before, welcome back. And, for those of you, if this is your first visit, congratulations for finding us. Before the morning is over, don’t forget to stop by the Daughters of the American Revolution tent and enjoy a Carefree Roastery coffee, a bottle of water and cookies, and pick up a traditional Memorial Day red poppy pin."
"I’m John Crane, Vice Mayor of Carefree. On behalf of the 41 veterans interred in the Cave Creek Cemetery, their families and friends, thank you for spending your Memorial Day morning here. And, thank you for acknowledging and honoring those 41 men and women - soldiers, sailors and airman – as well as all of those men and women who have served our nation. It is easy to forget or take for granted those men and women who gave their lives or risked it all – So often we drive by this cemetery every day without paying it much heed. Many do not know it is here. But it’s because of veterans – because of their selfless sacrifices - we live in prosperity and peace with liberty and freedom. We are blessed."
"This pioneer cemetery, deeded to remain in its natural state, was the vision of a longtime Cave Creek resident, Elmer Gillespie. It was created from land donated by the US National Forest Service in May 1955 and it opened in 1956. Mr. Gillespie passed away that same year and was honored as the first person buried on this site. His son, Trilby Barnett Gillespie, was a vet and is buried here."
"This morning, as we look around this pioneer cemetery, we see 41 American flags, marking each veteran grave site. Later today or maybe at a quieter time, I encourage you to walk about and pay your respects. Paths meander about the property. Tammy and Karen Poole of the Tribute Riders placed the flags. Last month Knoah Mohn of Boy Scout Troop 15 in Cave Creek led a team of fellow scouts as his Eagle Scout project to extend the paths to the undeveloped parts of the property and to make all of the pathways a bit more navigable. Knoah is here with us today."
"To begin our program, the Boy Scout Troop 15 Color Guard will present and post Colors. The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Hank Angeli and his son, Trace. Hank is a US Air Force veteran, having served from 1952 to 1956 including two years in French Morocco in North Africa at an Aircraft Control & Warning site with the 4707 Defense Wing. He was responsible for all the record keeping for his unit. His son Gus, a US Navy vet, is buried here. Tia Penny, a talented 6th grader at the Arizona School for the Arts, will then perform the National Anthem. Please rise for the presentation and posting of Colors and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of our National Anthem."
"Now to lead us in the Invocation, please welcome Pastor Richard Andersen, a Vietnam veteran and the executive director of the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree."
Pastor Anderson served in the U.S. Air Force from 1966-1970. He spent 12 months in Vietnam in 1969-1970, and is proud of his service to our country. Click on the first link below to view the still photos and the video of the opening ceremony. The Invocation begins at 10 minutes in the video.
"Good Morning. For those of you who have visited the Cave Creek Cemetery before, welcome back. And, for those of you, if this is your first visit, congratulations for finding us. Before the morning is over, don’t forget to stop by the Daughters of the American Revolution tent and enjoy a Carefree Roastery coffee, a bottle of water and cookies, and pick up a traditional Memorial Day red poppy pin."
"I’m John Crane, Vice Mayor of Carefree. On behalf of the 41 veterans interred in the Cave Creek Cemetery, their families and friends, thank you for spending your Memorial Day morning here. And, thank you for acknowledging and honoring those 41 men and women - soldiers, sailors and airman – as well as all of those men and women who have served our nation. It is easy to forget or take for granted those men and women who gave their lives or risked it all – So often we drive by this cemetery every day without paying it much heed. Many do not know it is here. But it’s because of veterans – because of their selfless sacrifices - we live in prosperity and peace with liberty and freedom. We are blessed."
"This pioneer cemetery, deeded to remain in its natural state, was the vision of a longtime Cave Creek resident, Elmer Gillespie. It was created from land donated by the US National Forest Service in May 1955 and it opened in 1956. Mr. Gillespie passed away that same year and was honored as the first person buried on this site. His son, Trilby Barnett Gillespie, was a vet and is buried here."
"This morning, as we look around this pioneer cemetery, we see 41 American flags, marking each veteran grave site. Later today or maybe at a quieter time, I encourage you to walk about and pay your respects. Paths meander about the property. Tammy and Karen Poole of the Tribute Riders placed the flags. Last month Knoah Mohn of Boy Scout Troop 15 in Cave Creek led a team of fellow scouts as his Eagle Scout project to extend the paths to the undeveloped parts of the property and to make all of the pathways a bit more navigable. Knoah is here with us today."
"To begin our program, the Boy Scout Troop 15 Color Guard will present and post Colors. The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Hank Angeli and his son, Trace. Hank is a US Air Force veteran, having served from 1952 to 1956 including two years in French Morocco in North Africa at an Aircraft Control & Warning site with the 4707 Defense Wing. He was responsible for all the record keeping for his unit. His son Gus, a US Navy vet, is buried here. Tia Penny, a talented 6th grader at the Arizona School for the Arts, will then perform the National Anthem. Please rise for the presentation and posting of Colors and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of our National Anthem."
"Now to lead us in the Invocation, please welcome Pastor Richard Andersen, a Vietnam veteran and the executive director of the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree."
Pastor Anderson served in the U.S. Air Force from 1966-1970. He spent 12 months in Vietnam in 1969-1970, and is proud of his service to our country. Click on the first link below to view the still photos and the video of the opening ceremony. The Invocation begins at 10 minutes in the video.
Lf. to rt.: Vice Mayor John Crand, Eileen Wright, Pastor Richard Anderson, Mike Wright
Photo by Herbert Hitchon
"Thank you, Richard. For those of you who do not know, the Spirit of the Desert Retreat Center is located on a hill to the south of the Sundial overlooking the Carefree town core. They are very veteran friendly. They conduct several “Healing of Memories Workshops” for veterans every year to help vets with internalized war wounds. Carefree resident Mike Wold organizes those programs. If you have a need or know of someone who may benefit from the program, seek him out. Information is available at the refreshment tent."
https://vimeo.com/338780980
"Through all of the veteran related programs the Town of Carefree has supported, there has been no better partner than the Veterans Heritage Project (VHP). The Veterans Heritage Project is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to connecting students with veterans to honor veterans, preserve America's heritage and develop future leaders. Under the leadership of founder Barbara Hatch, countless Cactus Shadows High School and Sonoran Trails Middle School students have interviewed veterans, and then recorded and published their stories. The 15th volume was published earlier this year."
Photo by Herbert Hitchon
"Thank you, Richard. For those of you who do not know, the Spirit of the Desert Retreat Center is located on a hill to the south of the Sundial overlooking the Carefree town core. They are very veteran friendly. They conduct several “Healing of Memories Workshops” for veterans every year to help vets with internalized war wounds. Carefree resident Mike Wold organizes those programs. If you have a need or know of someone who may benefit from the program, seek him out. Information is available at the refreshment tent."
https://vimeo.com/338780980
"Through all of the veteran related programs the Town of Carefree has supported, there has been no better partner than the Veterans Heritage Project (VHP). The Veterans Heritage Project is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to connecting students with veterans to honor veterans, preserve America's heritage and develop future leaders. Under the leadership of founder Barbara Hatch, countless Cactus Shadows High School and Sonoran Trails Middle School students have interviewed veterans, and then recorded and published their stories. The 15th volume was published earlier this year."
Barbara Hatch
Photo by Herbert Hitchon
"Our first speaker, Abagail Mock, graduated from Cactus Shadows High School 4 days ago – the class of 2019. She participated in the Veterans Heritage Project throughout her 4 years at Cactus Shadows and conducted four interviews. Most recently she served as the president of Key Club, a Kiwanis-sponsored national organization. This fall Abagail will be studying Psychology at NAU."
Ms. Mock said Memorial Day is a time to remember those who sacrificed their lives in service to our country, and the veterans who passed away after their time on the front lines. "That doesn't begin to cover the true weight of this day." It doesn't describe the smothering grief for some, the relieving acceptance of loss for others, and the gratitude for the time we had with those who passed. Their absence is still felt and the memories come back at random moments, causing our hearts to ache. There is intense pride for those who served. Memorial Day is celebration of all those feelings, to feel this pain and to carry on their memory, their legacy.
She interviewed Mr. Brickholder last year. He passed on September 30th, a month after his essay was finished. He had a great sense of humor. He spoke with the quiver of age in his voice, but also with the wisdom that came with that age. He was so alive and vibrant at age 94. He survived 35 combat flight missions in WWII. He had 3 children and 9 grandchildren. Ms. Mock is grateful to have known him. She said that Memorial Day is a day to celebrate veterans' courage, love, and sacrifice. "They can never truly be honored enough, but we have this day to try."
"When you see and hear a young woman like Abigail Mock, and you look around and see the other VHP students who are here with us today, despite our country’s challenges, you can’t help but feel confident about our future."
https://vimeo.com/338782575
"Our next speaker, Margo Angeli, is the sister of Gus Angeli. Gus was a US Navy veteran Boatswains’ Mate who served in Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He was a teacher at Cactus Shadows High School and a VHP adviser. Gus passed in 2018 and is interred here in the Cave Creek Cemetery. Gus’ Dad and brother led us in the Pledge of Allegiance earlier this morning. Please welcome Margo Angeli."
Ms. Angeli began by thanking Barbara Hatch and Vice Mayor Crane for inviting her and her family to this special Memorial Day event honoring the courageous men and women who have gone before us. "Today, we stand at the resting place of my brother, Gus." Gus passed 1 year and 8 months ago, after losing his 10 year battle with cancer. He was 49 years old. He fought a good fight and dealt with his cancer like he did everything else in his life, with courage and determination. He was remarkable in so many ways. Gus lived life to the fullest, and touched and served so many people. He played many meaningful and valuable roles. As a son, brother, uncle, husband, father, Navy sailor, teacher, mentor, dear friend, and avid ASU fan, his passion and commitment was evident in each role. He wanted to make a difference.
He served in the Navy for 4 years. He served as a Boatswain's Mate on the U.S.S. Cleveland during the first Gulf war. He was deployed during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. His ship transported Marines and their equipment, and was responsible for removing dangerous mines from the waterways. After returning, he said there were many times he thought he might not make it home. He knew the dangers of war and dealt with them head-on with courage, discipline, and dedication.
Throughout history, brave Americans have shown their courage, discipline, and dedication through their willingness to sacrifice and die defending the freedom of our country and the countries of others. They shed their blood and lay down their lives. Their purpose and commitment and service was greater than themselves.
After 4 years of service, Gus earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at ASU. He continued his commitment, service, and dedication to making a difference by becoming a high school math teacher and a co-adviser to the Veteran's Heritage Project at Cactus Shadows High School. His passion to being a good teacher and mentor to his students was clearly evident. He challenged his students to achieve their greatest potential, and gave them the tools to be successful in life.
We are gathered here today, on Memorial Day, a time of year when we honor those who have died while serving in the U.S. Armed Services. Many times, Memorial Day is marked by family gatherings, parades, memorials, and visits to cemeteries. The holiday gives us time to reflect on the freedoms we as Americans enjoy, while paying tribute to those who have paid the ultimate price to preserve those freedoms, both here and abroad. Let us think about the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made with gratitude and respect and appreciation.
"We are humbled by their actions and we honor their service. When we reflect on Memorial Day we may ask ourselves, 'In what way can we serve others? Service comes in many forms. Am I making a difference? Am I reaching my greatest potential or helping others to reach theirs? How will people remember me?' "
In closing, she left the audience with the words from one of her favorite songs, "Well Done" by the Christian group The Afters. "Well done, well done, my good and faithful one. Welcome to the place where you belong. Well done, well done, my beloved child. You have run the race and now you're home. Welcome to the place where you belong. Well done, well done."
"Thank you."
https://vimeo.com/338784487
Lyn Hitchon
(Lyn's note: Unfortunately, Herbert didn't get photos of all the speakers because his camera was in video mode while the event was taking place. The photos he took were before and after the event. But you can see all of them in the videos, which are amazing. It was a stellar event and the speakers were all wonderful.)
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.
Photo by Herbert Hitchon
"Our first speaker, Abagail Mock, graduated from Cactus Shadows High School 4 days ago – the class of 2019. She participated in the Veterans Heritage Project throughout her 4 years at Cactus Shadows and conducted four interviews. Most recently she served as the president of Key Club, a Kiwanis-sponsored national organization. This fall Abagail will be studying Psychology at NAU."
Ms. Mock said Memorial Day is a time to remember those who sacrificed their lives in service to our country, and the veterans who passed away after their time on the front lines. "That doesn't begin to cover the true weight of this day." It doesn't describe the smothering grief for some, the relieving acceptance of loss for others, and the gratitude for the time we had with those who passed. Their absence is still felt and the memories come back at random moments, causing our hearts to ache. There is intense pride for those who served. Memorial Day is celebration of all those feelings, to feel this pain and to carry on their memory, their legacy.
She interviewed Mr. Brickholder last year. He passed on September 30th, a month after his essay was finished. He had a great sense of humor. He spoke with the quiver of age in his voice, but also with the wisdom that came with that age. He was so alive and vibrant at age 94. He survived 35 combat flight missions in WWII. He had 3 children and 9 grandchildren. Ms. Mock is grateful to have known him. She said that Memorial Day is a day to celebrate veterans' courage, love, and sacrifice. "They can never truly be honored enough, but we have this day to try."
"When you see and hear a young woman like Abigail Mock, and you look around and see the other VHP students who are here with us today, despite our country’s challenges, you can’t help but feel confident about our future."
https://vimeo.com/338782575
"Our next speaker, Margo Angeli, is the sister of Gus Angeli. Gus was a US Navy veteran Boatswains’ Mate who served in Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He was a teacher at Cactus Shadows High School and a VHP adviser. Gus passed in 2018 and is interred here in the Cave Creek Cemetery. Gus’ Dad and brother led us in the Pledge of Allegiance earlier this morning. Please welcome Margo Angeli."
Ms. Angeli began by thanking Barbara Hatch and Vice Mayor Crane for inviting her and her family to this special Memorial Day event honoring the courageous men and women who have gone before us. "Today, we stand at the resting place of my brother, Gus." Gus passed 1 year and 8 months ago, after losing his 10 year battle with cancer. He was 49 years old. He fought a good fight and dealt with his cancer like he did everything else in his life, with courage and determination. He was remarkable in so many ways. Gus lived life to the fullest, and touched and served so many people. He played many meaningful and valuable roles. As a son, brother, uncle, husband, father, Navy sailor, teacher, mentor, dear friend, and avid ASU fan, his passion and commitment was evident in each role. He wanted to make a difference.
He served in the Navy for 4 years. He served as a Boatswain's Mate on the U.S.S. Cleveland during the first Gulf war. He was deployed during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. His ship transported Marines and their equipment, and was responsible for removing dangerous mines from the waterways. After returning, he said there were many times he thought he might not make it home. He knew the dangers of war and dealt with them head-on with courage, discipline, and dedication.
Throughout history, brave Americans have shown their courage, discipline, and dedication through their willingness to sacrifice and die defending the freedom of our country and the countries of others. They shed their blood and lay down their lives. Their purpose and commitment and service was greater than themselves.
After 4 years of service, Gus earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at ASU. He continued his commitment, service, and dedication to making a difference by becoming a high school math teacher and a co-adviser to the Veteran's Heritage Project at Cactus Shadows High School. His passion to being a good teacher and mentor to his students was clearly evident. He challenged his students to achieve their greatest potential, and gave them the tools to be successful in life.
We are gathered here today, on Memorial Day, a time of year when we honor those who have died while serving in the U.S. Armed Services. Many times, Memorial Day is marked by family gatherings, parades, memorials, and visits to cemeteries. The holiday gives us time to reflect on the freedoms we as Americans enjoy, while paying tribute to those who have paid the ultimate price to preserve those freedoms, both here and abroad. Let us think about the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made with gratitude and respect and appreciation.
"We are humbled by their actions and we honor their service. When we reflect on Memorial Day we may ask ourselves, 'In what way can we serve others? Service comes in many forms. Am I making a difference? Am I reaching my greatest potential or helping others to reach theirs? How will people remember me?' "
In closing, she left the audience with the words from one of her favorite songs, "Well Done" by the Christian group The Afters. "Well done, well done, my good and faithful one. Welcome to the place where you belong. Well done, well done, my beloved child. You have run the race and now you're home. Welcome to the place where you belong. Well done, well done."
"Thank you."
https://vimeo.com/338784487
Lyn Hitchon
(Lyn's note: Unfortunately, Herbert didn't get photos of all the speakers because his camera was in video mode while the event was taking place. The photos he took were before and after the event. But you can see all of them in the videos, which are amazing. It was a stellar event and the speakers were all wonderful.)
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.