"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
The morning began with the playing of "Taps", after which Vice Mayor John Crane spoke at the podium.
Vice Mayor John Crane
All still photos by Herbert Hitchon
"Good Morning. Memorial Day is a somber occasion. But I feel exceptionally good to be here. Not only can I see the faces of friends and neighbors, more importantly, we are here together this morning because we have a common interest and a common value - to honor those who have lost their lives serving our country. I’m John Crane, Vice Mayor of Carefree. It is heart warming to see so many of you.
"Before the morning is over, don’t forget to stop by the Daughters of the American Revolution Black Mountain Chapter tent and enjoy a Carefree Roastery coffee, a bottle of water and a snack, and pick up a traditional Memorial Day red poppy pin. Next to the DAR you will find the Veterans Heritage Project tent. Through all the veteran related programs the Town of Carefree has supported, there has been no better partner than the 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. To learn more, please stop by, say hello to their founder Barbara Hatch, the staff, and the students.
All still photos by Herbert Hitchon
"Good Morning. Memorial Day is a somber occasion. But I feel exceptionally good to be here. Not only can I see the faces of friends and neighbors, more importantly, we are here together this morning because we have a common interest and a common value - to honor those who have lost their lives serving our country. I’m John Crane, Vice Mayor of Carefree. It is heart warming to see so many of you.
"Before the morning is over, don’t forget to stop by the Daughters of the American Revolution Black Mountain Chapter tent and enjoy a Carefree Roastery coffee, a bottle of water and a snack, and pick up a traditional Memorial Day red poppy pin. Next to the DAR you will find the Veterans Heritage Project tent. Through all the veteran related programs the Town of Carefree has supported, there has been no better partner than the 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. To learn more, please stop by, say hello to their founder Barbara Hatch, the staff, and the students.
Barbara Hatch
DAR and VHP tents
"And, for those watching on YouTube at home, be sure to thank Carefree Councilman Vince D’Aliesio for making that happen.
"And, for those watching on YouTube at home, be sure to thank Carefree Councilman Vince D’Aliesio for making that happen.
Lf to Rt.: Ralph Ferro, Gary Neiss, John Crane, Vince D'Aliesio
"On behalf of the 41 veterans interred in the Cave Creek Cemetery, their families, and friends, thank you for spending your Memorial Day morning with us. And thank you for acknowledging and honoring those men and women resting here - soldiers, sailors, and airman – as well as all 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. We remember them on Memorial Day, but as a Town we wanted to find a way to remember them every day. Nearly two years ago a group of 5 Veterans, a vet from each service branch joined together to design and have built a Veterans Memorial in the Carefree Desert Gardens. If you have yet to visit the Memorial, when we finish this morning, I encourage you to stop by the Gardens in the heart of Carefree and pay your respects. At the base of the Memorial is a beautiful wreath and flowers to commemorate this solemn day.
"On behalf of the 41 veterans interred in the Cave Creek Cemetery, their families, and friends, thank you for spending your Memorial Day morning with us. And thank you for acknowledging and honoring those men and women resting here - soldiers, sailors, and airman – as well as all 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. We remember them on Memorial Day, but as a Town we wanted to find a way to remember them every day. Nearly two years ago a group of 5 Veterans, a vet from each service branch joined together to design and have built a Veterans Memorial in the Carefree Desert Gardens. If you have yet to visit the Memorial, when we finish this morning, I encourage you to stop by the Gardens in the heart of Carefree and pay your respects. At the base of the Memorial is a beautiful wreath and flowers to commemorate this solemn day.
"The 5 vets who made the Memorial a reality are here with us today. When I call your name, please stand, or raise your hand.
Pratt Ashworth, United States Air Force
Dick Hartig, United States Coast Guard
Bob Jenkins, United States Marine Corps
Mike Wold, United States Navy
And team leader, Mike Ferrell, United States Army
"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 or cooler time, I encourage you to walk about and pay your respects. There are paths throughout the cemetery. Tammy and Karen Poole of the Tribute Riders placed the flags.
Pratt Ashworth, United States Air Force
Dick Hartig, United States Coast Guard
Bob Jenkins, United States Marine Corps
Mike Wold, United States Navy
And team leader, Mike Ferrell, United States Army
"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 or cooler time, I encourage you to walk about and pay your respects. There are paths throughout the cemetery. Tammy and Karen Poole of the Tribute Riders placed the flags.
"To begin our program Cave Creek Boy Scout Troop 603 Color Guard will present and post Colors."
(Lyn's note: Because Herbert's camera was on video mode at this point, there are no still photos of the posting of the Colors.)
"Colonel Thomas Kirk was a United States Air Force Colonel fighter pilot, who served 28 years on active duty before his retirement in 1978. He is a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. During his military career he served worldwide, commanded a fighter squadron in the Vietnam War, commanded a Pilot Training Wing in Alabama, served as Deputy Commander of the Lowry Technical Training Center, Denver, Colorado and was Vice Commander of all Special Forces in Europe prior to retirement.
"Most noteworthy, while leading the largest fighter-bomber raid of the Vietnam War to that date, on 28 October 1967, Colonel Kirk’s F-105 was hit by anti-aircraft fire over Hanoi, North Vietnam. With his ship engulfed in flames, he was forced to parachute from the plane. Upon landing, he was captured immediately, and spent five and one-half years as a Prisoner of War at the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” prison camp. He was released after the war’s end in March 1973. For his combat leadership and heroism, he was awarded the Air Force Cross, four Silver Stars, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, seven Air Medals and the Purple Heart. Following retirement from the Air Force in 1978, Col. Kirk made his home in Italy, then Madrid, Spain, and then Vail, Colorado. In January 2009, he moved to Anthem, Arizona for his final retirement home with his wife Ann.
"Col. Kirk will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Col. Kirk it is an honor to have you with us today.
(Lyn's note: Because Herbert's camera was on video mode at this point, there is no still photo of Col. Kirk.)
"Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Maya King and Jackie Paul, two talented recent Cactus Shadows High School seniors who graduated earlier this month, 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."
"Col Kirk, would you please lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance?"
"Please be seated.
That was very nicely done. Please give a special round of applause to Maya and Jackie, the Boy Scouts, as well as the Cub Scouts who helped us this morning.
(Lyn's note: Because Herbert's camera was on video mode at this point, there are no still photos of Maya and Jackie.)
Now to lead us in the Invocation, please welcome Dave Hulbert. Dave is an Elder at the Desert Hills Presbyterian Church. As a US Air Force pilot, he flew KC-135 aircraft in Vietnam. Dave Hulbert."
https://vimeo.com/558672917
Mr. Hulbert wished to make a few comments before beginning the prayer. "This is a time of sacrifice and remembrance, when those of us who served our country in Vietnam returned and were greeted with contempt and disrespect. After 50 years, that neglect continues, as close to 40,000 veterans are homeless throughout our great cities. I see it as a great shame in our nation of wealth, abundance, and prosperity, while our current leaders fund, clothe and shelter tens of thousands of illegal immigrants at tax payers' expense. In my opinion, the words homeless and veterans should never be used together in America. Please bow your heads and join me in prayer.
"Father, we summon your Holy Spirit to this hallowed ground to make tender our hearts towards the survivors, families, and loved ones in our community who honor and fondly remember those lost who are resting here. Their service and sacrifices must never be forgotten or dishonored. We ask your Spirit to warm the cold hearts of any in our leadership who believe that the sacred oath made by our veterans is a one way commitment to serve, and perhaps die, for the nation, only to be forgotten and housed in our doorways, alleys, and streets, or on our sidewalks, in every season.
"Lord, you have blessed this nation with every material good, and have protected our borders and shores for over two centuries. We ask you now for wisdom and compassion in our leaders, going forward, to meet the great societal issues that face us today. May our enemies continue to respect our military's bravery, technology and power. And may our own people look inwardly to the care and condition of our own citizens with the proper respect due to them. We ask these things in Christ's name. Amen."
Vice Mayor Crane said, "Thank you, Dave. For those of you who do not know, the Desert Hills Presbyterian Church is located at the corner of Carefree Highway and Tom Darlington Road. They are about to launch a veteran support group. Assistant Paster Brett Everett is here with us today. He would be glad to share details. Please seek him out."
https://vimeo.com/558650959
Lyn Hitchon
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.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.
"Colonel Thomas Kirk was a United States Air Force Colonel fighter pilot, who served 28 years on active duty before his retirement in 1978. He is a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. During his military career he served worldwide, commanded a fighter squadron in the Vietnam War, commanded a Pilot Training Wing in Alabama, served as Deputy Commander of the Lowry Technical Training Center, Denver, Colorado and was Vice Commander of all Special Forces in Europe prior to retirement.
"Most noteworthy, while leading the largest fighter-bomber raid of the Vietnam War to that date, on 28 October 1967, Colonel Kirk’s F-105 was hit by anti-aircraft fire over Hanoi, North Vietnam. With his ship engulfed in flames, he was forced to parachute from the plane. Upon landing, he was captured immediately, and spent five and one-half years as a Prisoner of War at the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” prison camp. He was released after the war’s end in March 1973. For his combat leadership and heroism, he was awarded the Air Force Cross, four Silver Stars, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, seven Air Medals and the Purple Heart. Following retirement from the Air Force in 1978, Col. Kirk made his home in Italy, then Madrid, Spain, and then Vail, Colorado. In January 2009, he moved to Anthem, Arizona for his final retirement home with his wife Ann.
"Col. Kirk will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Col. Kirk it is an honor to have you with us today.
(Lyn's note: Because Herbert's camera was on video mode at this point, there is no still photo of Col. Kirk.)
"Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Maya King and Jackie Paul, two talented recent Cactus Shadows High School seniors who graduated earlier this month, 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."
"Col Kirk, would you please lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance?"
"Please be seated.
That was very nicely done. Please give a special round of applause to Maya and Jackie, the Boy Scouts, as well as the Cub Scouts who helped us this morning.
(Lyn's note: Because Herbert's camera was on video mode at this point, there are no still photos of Maya and Jackie.)
Now to lead us in the Invocation, please welcome Dave Hulbert. Dave is an Elder at the Desert Hills Presbyterian Church. As a US Air Force pilot, he flew KC-135 aircraft in Vietnam. Dave Hulbert."
https://vimeo.com/558672917
Mr. Hulbert wished to make a few comments before beginning the prayer. "This is a time of sacrifice and remembrance, when those of us who served our country in Vietnam returned and were greeted with contempt and disrespect. After 50 years, that neglect continues, as close to 40,000 veterans are homeless throughout our great cities. I see it as a great shame in our nation of wealth, abundance, and prosperity, while our current leaders fund, clothe and shelter tens of thousands of illegal immigrants at tax payers' expense. In my opinion, the words homeless and veterans should never be used together in America. Please bow your heads and join me in prayer.
"Father, we summon your Holy Spirit to this hallowed ground to make tender our hearts towards the survivors, families, and loved ones in our community who honor and fondly remember those lost who are resting here. Their service and sacrifices must never be forgotten or dishonored. We ask your Spirit to warm the cold hearts of any in our leadership who believe that the sacred oath made by our veterans is a one way commitment to serve, and perhaps die, for the nation, only to be forgotten and housed in our doorways, alleys, and streets, or on our sidewalks, in every season.
"Lord, you have blessed this nation with every material good, and have protected our borders and shores for over two centuries. We ask you now for wisdom and compassion in our leaders, going forward, to meet the great societal issues that face us today. May our enemies continue to respect our military's bravery, technology and power. And may our own people look inwardly to the care and condition of our own citizens with the proper respect due to them. We ask these things in Christ's name. Amen."
Vice Mayor Crane said, "Thank you, Dave. For those of you who do not know, the Desert Hills Presbyterian Church is located at the corner of Carefree Highway and Tom Darlington Road. They are about to launch a veteran support group. Assistant Paster Brett Everett is here with us today. He would be glad to share details. Please seek him out."
https://vimeo.com/558650959
Lyn Hitchon
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.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.