"Thomas Jefferson said a democracy is dependent on an informed citizenry. I don't care whether it sounds corny or not. It's the truth." -Jim Lehrer
Carefree Truth
Issue #1108, November 18, 2024
Issue #1108, November 18, 2024
Good Afternoon Everyone! There is nowhere I’d rather be on this beautiful Veterans Day. I’m John Crane, Mayor of Carefree. Welcome to Carefree and the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion.
I'm standing before a sea of red, white and blue. Lots of sunshine and blue skies. Smiling faces. And many veterans, friends, neighbors, and new faces. The view from up here is fantastic. Thank you for spending your Veterans Day afternoon with us.
We kicked off our program with a lively rendition of "Yankee Doodle" by the Main Even Band. "Yankee Doodle" may be the one patriotic song virtually all Americans through generations can hum. The song predates the founding of our nation.
Through the course of this afternoon, we have coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and bottled water served by the Kiwanis Club of Carefree. The coffee is donated to us by Carefree Coffee Roastery. The BlackMountain Foothills Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution supplied the cookies. As you glance around the perimeter of the Pavilion, you will find several organizations that provide services to vets. We have:
Students and advisors to Imprints of Honor, formerly known as the Veterans Heritage Project. They are celebrating their 21st year of connecting students with veterans. We will learn more about them later in the first part of our program.
Next, we have a table manned by Carefree resident, US Navy veteran, and veteran advocate Mike Wold. He is representing, Our Lady of Joy Veterans Ministry, the Institute for Healing of Memories, and veteran service provider B-Connected. Mike asked that I let you know that next Friday, November 15, the Institute for the Healing of Memories will have a 3 day workshop at the Spirit of the Desert here in Carefree, and there is no charge. This workshop is meant to help woman veterans with emotional, psychological, and spiritual wounds. Mike, raise your hand.
We have Col. Jeanne Blaze, US Army (Retired) at the Association of the US Army and the Arizona Youth Leadership Council Phoenix Chapter tables.
Next to Col. Blaze we have Cave Creek Boy Scouts of Troop #603. In a few minutes, they will present the Colors, but during the break you can stop by and buy one of these beautiful Carefree license plates. These are so good looking; I may need to buy a new car to go with it!
We then have a table for Honor Flight Arizona. We will learn more about them later this afternoon.
Scattered throughout the audience are members of the Cave Creek American Legion, Post 34. Last week the Post cleaned up each of the 41 veteran grave sites in the Cave Creek Memorial Cemetery here in Carefree and placed an American flag on each. I did a drive by yesterday and, as it should, out of respect for those 41 veterans, the cemetery looks fantastic.
Finally, a thank you goes out to our friends at APS for helping to sponsor today’s event.
Veterans Day is a day when we celebrate our veterans.
Those who have served and those who are serving.
Veterans Day is a U.S. holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars.
As a bit of history, in 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I. November 11th finally became a federal holiday in the United States in 1938.
Following World War II and the Korean War, in 1954, President Eisenhower signed legislation striking the word “Armistice” in favor of “Veterans.” From then on, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. So today, November 11, it is an honor to be here and stand before such a distinguished group of veterans and their spouses and families.
Now, I would like to call up a Cave Creek neighbor who many of you may know, John Tyler. He will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. But first a brief introduction.
John Tyler enlisted in the US Army on October 1, 1946. After serving in Japan with the occupation forces and then returning home, John signed up in the National Guard in a tank company. He became a tank commander and later a platoon sergeant in the 102nd infantry regiment. Instead of shipping off to Korea, he was sent to West Germany where he joined a blocking tank force to oppose the Russians in Czechoslovakia. In total he served actively for 5.5 years. Having served in the armed forces prior to December 31, 1946, John is a recipient of the World War II Victory Service Medal. John Tyler, it is an honor to have you here.
Colors will be presented by Cave Creek Boy Scout Troop #603. Please stand for the Posting of Colors and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of our National Anthem.
Present the Colors.
Colors are posted.
“I pledge allegiance..."
Please remain standing for the singing of our National Anthem Cactus Shadows High School sophomore Annalyn Abraham
National Anthem
Please be seated.
That was wonderful. Please give a big round of applause to Annalyn. She’ll be back later in the program.
And thank you to John Tyler.
Well done to the Cave Creek Boy Scout Color Guard. It means a lot to have you here.
It is now my pleasure to introduce our Master of Ceremonies, Preston Westmoreland. He always adds interesting stories and a bit of entertainment. He is always up beat. Preston is a Carefree resident and former US Marine. As a radio talk show host, he always honored and showcased the military and veterans. He has many great stories related to that.
He was inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame and won the Marconi award, radio's "Oscar", for best large market radio personality in the United States.
Please welcome Preston Westmoreland!
Videos by Herbert Hitchon:
Part 1 Carefree Veterans Day - 11/11/24
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1030363081
"Yankee Doodle"
Mayor John Crane's Opening Remarks
Mayor John Crane Introduces John Tyler (MSGT, US Army)
Stand for the Presentation of Colors, Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem
Presentation of Colors - Cave Creek Boy Scout Troop #603
John Tyler, MSGT US Army, WW II Victory Service Medal
Pledge of Allegiance
National Anthem - Annalyn Abraham, Sophomore, Cactus Shadows High School
Mayor John Crane Thanks John Tyler, the Boy Scouts, and Annalyn Abraham
Part 2 Carefree Veterans Day - 11/11/24
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1030438507
Preston Westmoreland Introduces Diane Franzese
Honor Flight Arizona
Preston - Introduces USMC Capt. Sophia Ripka - VHP
"Impact of a Veteran”
Part 3 Carefree Veterans Day - 11/11/24
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1030438580
Preston Westmoreland - Introduces the Carolyn Eynon Singers and Todd Knowles
The Main Event Band Musical selection by the Carolyn Eynon Singers
1. God Bless America
2. God Bless the USA
3. Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
Musical selection by the Main Event Band
1. Crocodile Rock
2. Heat Wave
3. It's Not Unusual
The Band Takes a Break
Part 4 Carefree Veterans Day - 11/11/24
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1030438632
Preston Westmoreland Introduces US Army MSGT David Allwine
"POW Experience”
Part 5 Carefree Veterans Day - 11/11/24
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1030363314
Preston Westmoreland Welcomes Back Annalyn Abraham: "America the Beautiful”
Preston Westmoreland introduces the band members & announces the playing of a medley of the 6 service hymns, asking each service veteran, spouse and family to stand and then sit at the conclusion their hymn.
Carolyn Eynon Singers and Main Event Band play:
1. The Caissons Go Rolling Along
2. Anchors Aweigh
3. Wild Blue Yonder
4. Merchant Marines Hymn
5. Coast Guard - Semper Paratus
6. Marines Hymn
Preston Westmoreland thanks everyone. He introduces John Crane to tell the story of the Last Post.
Preston, well done. I am so glad you joined us. And thank you to all our speakers including Master Sergent David Allwine, Capt. Sophia Ripka and Diane Franzese for spending your Veterans Day with us and sharing your thoughts and perspective. It is an honor to have all of you here. And it was a real treat to have the Carolyn Eynon Singers along with the Main Event Band joining us in our celebration of veterans.
The Story of the Last Post
As a matter of tradition, we appropriately close our program with the Last Post and the playing of Taps.
We have all heard the Last Post trumpet call but may not know the origins of this tradition in military life.
British Army tradition has given us two bugle calls, called the First and Second Post.
The first post, done in the morning, marks the start of the inspection of the camp and quarters.
The "Last Post" call or 2nd Post was used in British army camps to signal the end of day when the duty officer returned from his tour of the camp. At the end of the day, when he had inspected all the sentry posts around the camp, a call was played at each of them to signify that all was well in the garrison.
The Last Post call had another function at the close of a day of battle. It signaled to those who were still outside the garrison walls, either fighting, wounded, or separated from their comrades that the fighting was done, and to follow the sound of the call to find safety and rest.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the use of the "Last Post" was carried to various countries of the British Empire and beyond. In all these countries, including the United States, it is now incorporated into military funerals. It is played as a final farewell, symbolizing the fact that the duty of the soldier is over and that they can rest in peace. We will now close with the traditional playing of TAPS. But first, I would like to share the haunting words behind this music.
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hill,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.
Go to sleep, peaceful sleep,
May the soldier or sailor,
God keep.
On the land or the deep,
Safe in sleep.
Love, good night. Must thou go,
When the day and the night
Need thee so?
All is well. Speedeth all
To their rest.
Fades the light; And afar
Goeth day, And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well; Day has gone,
Night is on.
Thanks and praise, For our days,
’Neath the sun, ’Neath the stars,
’Neath the sky,
As we go, This we know,
God is nigh.
“MEB-Bugle – The Last Post, Adam Compeau” - TAPS, Adam Compeau on Trumpet and Bryan Altherr on Trombone
Thank you for spending your Veterans Day afternoon with us. I’m glad we could spend it together. We look forward to seeing you all next year.
Mayor John Crane
Carefree Veterans Day - 11/11/24
Still Photos by Herbert Hitchon
https://aneyeonyouproduction.com/111124-veterans-day-pics.html
I'm standing before a sea of red, white and blue. Lots of sunshine and blue skies. Smiling faces. And many veterans, friends, neighbors, and new faces. The view from up here is fantastic. Thank you for spending your Veterans Day afternoon with us.
We kicked off our program with a lively rendition of "Yankee Doodle" by the Main Even Band. "Yankee Doodle" may be the one patriotic song virtually all Americans through generations can hum. The song predates the founding of our nation.
Through the course of this afternoon, we have coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and bottled water served by the Kiwanis Club of Carefree. The coffee is donated to us by Carefree Coffee Roastery. The BlackMountain Foothills Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution supplied the cookies. As you glance around the perimeter of the Pavilion, you will find several organizations that provide services to vets. We have:
Students and advisors to Imprints of Honor, formerly known as the Veterans Heritage Project. They are celebrating their 21st year of connecting students with veterans. We will learn more about them later in the first part of our program.
Next, we have a table manned by Carefree resident, US Navy veteran, and veteran advocate Mike Wold. He is representing, Our Lady of Joy Veterans Ministry, the Institute for Healing of Memories, and veteran service provider B-Connected. Mike asked that I let you know that next Friday, November 15, the Institute for the Healing of Memories will have a 3 day workshop at the Spirit of the Desert here in Carefree, and there is no charge. This workshop is meant to help woman veterans with emotional, psychological, and spiritual wounds. Mike, raise your hand.
We have Col. Jeanne Blaze, US Army (Retired) at the Association of the US Army and the Arizona Youth Leadership Council Phoenix Chapter tables.
Next to Col. Blaze we have Cave Creek Boy Scouts of Troop #603. In a few minutes, they will present the Colors, but during the break you can stop by and buy one of these beautiful Carefree license plates. These are so good looking; I may need to buy a new car to go with it!
We then have a table for Honor Flight Arizona. We will learn more about them later this afternoon.
Scattered throughout the audience are members of the Cave Creek American Legion, Post 34. Last week the Post cleaned up each of the 41 veteran grave sites in the Cave Creek Memorial Cemetery here in Carefree and placed an American flag on each. I did a drive by yesterday and, as it should, out of respect for those 41 veterans, the cemetery looks fantastic.
Finally, a thank you goes out to our friends at APS for helping to sponsor today’s event.
Veterans Day is a day when we celebrate our veterans.
Those who have served and those who are serving.
Veterans Day is a U.S. holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars.
As a bit of history, in 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I. November 11th finally became a federal holiday in the United States in 1938.
Following World War II and the Korean War, in 1954, President Eisenhower signed legislation striking the word “Armistice” in favor of “Veterans.” From then on, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. So today, November 11, it is an honor to be here and stand before such a distinguished group of veterans and their spouses and families.
Now, I would like to call up a Cave Creek neighbor who many of you may know, John Tyler. He will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. But first a brief introduction.
John Tyler enlisted in the US Army on October 1, 1946. After serving in Japan with the occupation forces and then returning home, John signed up in the National Guard in a tank company. He became a tank commander and later a platoon sergeant in the 102nd infantry regiment. Instead of shipping off to Korea, he was sent to West Germany where he joined a blocking tank force to oppose the Russians in Czechoslovakia. In total he served actively for 5.5 years. Having served in the armed forces prior to December 31, 1946, John is a recipient of the World War II Victory Service Medal. John Tyler, it is an honor to have you here.
Colors will be presented by Cave Creek Boy Scout Troop #603. Please stand for the Posting of Colors and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of our National Anthem.
Present the Colors.
Colors are posted.
“I pledge allegiance..."
Please remain standing for the singing of our National Anthem Cactus Shadows High School sophomore Annalyn Abraham
National Anthem
Please be seated.
That was wonderful. Please give a big round of applause to Annalyn. She’ll be back later in the program.
And thank you to John Tyler.
Well done to the Cave Creek Boy Scout Color Guard. It means a lot to have you here.
It is now my pleasure to introduce our Master of Ceremonies, Preston Westmoreland. He always adds interesting stories and a bit of entertainment. He is always up beat. Preston is a Carefree resident and former US Marine. As a radio talk show host, he always honored and showcased the military and veterans. He has many great stories related to that.
He was inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame and won the Marconi award, radio's "Oscar", for best large market radio personality in the United States.
Please welcome Preston Westmoreland!
Videos by Herbert Hitchon:
Part 1 Carefree Veterans Day - 11/11/24
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1030363081
"Yankee Doodle"
Mayor John Crane's Opening Remarks
Mayor John Crane Introduces John Tyler (MSGT, US Army)
Stand for the Presentation of Colors, Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem
Presentation of Colors - Cave Creek Boy Scout Troop #603
John Tyler, MSGT US Army, WW II Victory Service Medal
Pledge of Allegiance
National Anthem - Annalyn Abraham, Sophomore, Cactus Shadows High School
Mayor John Crane Thanks John Tyler, the Boy Scouts, and Annalyn Abraham
Part 2 Carefree Veterans Day - 11/11/24
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1030438507
Preston Westmoreland Introduces Diane Franzese
Honor Flight Arizona
Preston - Introduces USMC Capt. Sophia Ripka - VHP
"Impact of a Veteran”
Part 3 Carefree Veterans Day - 11/11/24
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1030438580
Preston Westmoreland - Introduces the Carolyn Eynon Singers and Todd Knowles
The Main Event Band Musical selection by the Carolyn Eynon Singers
1. God Bless America
2. God Bless the USA
3. Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
Musical selection by the Main Event Band
1. Crocodile Rock
2. Heat Wave
3. It's Not Unusual
The Band Takes a Break
Part 4 Carefree Veterans Day - 11/11/24
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1030438632
Preston Westmoreland Introduces US Army MSGT David Allwine
"POW Experience”
Part 5 Carefree Veterans Day - 11/11/24
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1030363314
Preston Westmoreland Welcomes Back Annalyn Abraham: "America the Beautiful”
Preston Westmoreland introduces the band members & announces the playing of a medley of the 6 service hymns, asking each service veteran, spouse and family to stand and then sit at the conclusion their hymn.
Carolyn Eynon Singers and Main Event Band play:
1. The Caissons Go Rolling Along
2. Anchors Aweigh
3. Wild Blue Yonder
4. Merchant Marines Hymn
5. Coast Guard - Semper Paratus
6. Marines Hymn
Preston Westmoreland thanks everyone. He introduces John Crane to tell the story of the Last Post.
Preston, well done. I am so glad you joined us. And thank you to all our speakers including Master Sergent David Allwine, Capt. Sophia Ripka and Diane Franzese for spending your Veterans Day with us and sharing your thoughts and perspective. It is an honor to have all of you here. And it was a real treat to have the Carolyn Eynon Singers along with the Main Event Band joining us in our celebration of veterans.
The Story of the Last Post
As a matter of tradition, we appropriately close our program with the Last Post and the playing of Taps.
We have all heard the Last Post trumpet call but may not know the origins of this tradition in military life.
British Army tradition has given us two bugle calls, called the First and Second Post.
The first post, done in the morning, marks the start of the inspection of the camp and quarters.
The "Last Post" call or 2nd Post was used in British army camps to signal the end of day when the duty officer returned from his tour of the camp. At the end of the day, when he had inspected all the sentry posts around the camp, a call was played at each of them to signify that all was well in the garrison.
The Last Post call had another function at the close of a day of battle. It signaled to those who were still outside the garrison walls, either fighting, wounded, or separated from their comrades that the fighting was done, and to follow the sound of the call to find safety and rest.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the use of the "Last Post" was carried to various countries of the British Empire and beyond. In all these countries, including the United States, it is now incorporated into military funerals. It is played as a final farewell, symbolizing the fact that the duty of the soldier is over and that they can rest in peace. We will now close with the traditional playing of TAPS. But first, I would like to share the haunting words behind this music.
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hill,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.
Go to sleep, peaceful sleep,
May the soldier or sailor,
God keep.
On the land or the deep,
Safe in sleep.
Love, good night. Must thou go,
When the day and the night
Need thee so?
All is well. Speedeth all
To their rest.
Fades the light; And afar
Goeth day, And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well; Day has gone,
Night is on.
Thanks and praise, For our days,
’Neath the sun, ’Neath the stars,
’Neath the sky,
As we go, This we know,
God is nigh.
“MEB-Bugle – The Last Post, Adam Compeau” - TAPS, Adam Compeau on Trumpet and Bryan Altherr on Trombone
Thank you for spending your Veterans Day afternoon with us. I’m glad we could spend it together. We look forward to seeing you all next year.
Mayor John Crane
Carefree Veterans Day - 11/11/24
Still Photos by Herbert Hitchon
https://aneyeonyouproduction.com/111124-veterans-day-pics.html
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Copyrighted
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. Please support our Carefree merchants.
Copyrighted
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. Please support our Carefree merchants.