Remembering Our Fallen national memorial in Mesa through May 9

Mesa kicks off Memorial Day activities with Remembering Our Fallen, an emotional traveling tribute that reminds Americans of the ultimate sacrifice made by American armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan post 9/11/2001.

The memorial, open to the public through May 9 near the Mesa Arts Center Alliance Pavilion Stage, 1 E. Main St., will display 33 Tribute Towers with military and personal photos of more than 5,000 of our nation’s military fallen. This memorial was unveiled nationally at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. in late 2017.

“We’re honored to have the unique traveling memorial visit Mesa, and to recognize and remember those who’ve given their lives in service to our country,” Mesa Mayor John Giles said in the release.

This national memorial also includes Tribute Towers to recognize our service men and women who died from training accidents or attacks while stationed stateside or on our overseas bases. Those who return from war with the invisible wounds of post-traumatic stress and succumb to suicide are also included on Tribute Towers to recognize the tragedy of PTS.

Organizers are still asking for help in contacting Gold Star families, so every American who has died since 9-11-2001 in The War on Terror is included in the exhibit. Families of Fallen service members can visit the website, RememberingOurFallen.org, and provide basic information and two photos for their Fallen loved one. There is no fee for families.

“We can never forget those who sacrificed everything for our freedom. We must remember these American Heroes and speak their names when we see their family members,” said Bill Williams, vice president and co-founder of Patriotic Productions, the nonprofit responsible for the memorial. “We are thankful to the city of Mesa for hosting this beautiful and somber memorial.”