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Scottsdale Ranch has inaugural Veterans Day ceremony

Posted 11/11/19

Many people gathered for the Scottsdale Ranch Community Veterans Day ceremony during a day devoted to treating Arizona veterans to restaurants for free meals in their honor, parades and recognition, valleywide.

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Scottsdale Ranch has inaugural Veterans Day ceremony

Posted

Many people gathered for the Scottsdale Ranch Community Veterans Day ceremony during a day devoted to treating Arizona veterans to restaurants for free meals in their honor, parades and recognition, valleywide.

The inaugural event began 11 a.m., Nov. 11 at Scottsdale Ranch Park with Mayor Jim Lane serving as master of ceremonies. Representative David S. Schweikert attended and gave the keynote address.

Including details of the Scottsdale Airpark, the Thunderbird Falcon Field and the Missing Man Table, Mayor Lane explained the significance of the date and time of the nationally-recognized, hallowed Veterans Day, reminiscent of Armistice Day that happened at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918.

Armistice Day marked the end of fighting on land, sea and air in World War I between the allies and defeating the opponent, Germany. The U.S. sent 4.7 million servicemen to the war in which there were 116,512 combat deaths and 53,402 wounded, the mayor noted.

“Armistice Day is a federal holiday observed annually on November 11, for honoring persons who have served in the United States Armed Forces,” he said of Armistice that was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

Serving since 2011 as a U.S. House of Representatives member for Arizona’s sixth congressional district that includes Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek and parts of northern Phoenix, Congressman Schweikert (R) recognized past and present veterans and their families.

In addition to talking about the sacrifices veterans made to ensure freedom for others since freedom was not “free,” he encouraged veterans and their families to participate in the Veterans Story Project by sharing their stories to be documented as important, historic contributions for future generations.

“I beg of you, and we are doing it in our office near the Costco, trying to document any stories,” said Mr. Schweikert, who also served two terms in the Arizona State House of Representatives from 1991 to 1994 and was Maricopa County Treasurer from 2004 to 2007.

The congressman described recently meeting an “old gentlemen” who finally shared stories of him and his sibling who fought for the country. A tear-filled man told his story of heartbreak and happiness.

“‘I have some stories that I have never told my family, I have never spoken out loud,’” Mr. Schweikert said. “It was one of the most powerful experiences.”

He again encouraged family members to not only listen to and document the stories of veterans but collect mementos including pictures, documents and awards to share their accounts, which empowers the youth.

“Tell them the stories you experienced. Tell them the terror, camaraderie. We don’t have a free people or society without love for our veterans,” said Mr. Schweikert of telling children, grandkids about the sacrifices made for a “free country.”

He added that 38 youths recently came to his office who were interested in all branches of military service. He was impressed with how “readily honorable, noble and ready to serve” they were as many decided and prepared to serve their country since the eighth grade.

“We have so many young people who want to serve. It gives you hope,” Mr. Schweikert said.

“It’s important to honor the individuals who have sacrificed so many of their lives for supporting and maintaining the freedoms that we sometimes take for granted,” said Scottsdale City Council member Virginia Korte after the ceremony.

She and other attendees appreciated the service of veterans and wanted to show their support locally for the global efforts.

“My dad was in the Army,” said Nicole Williams, whose father Michael Richards, was among several veterans recognized at the event that she and her husband, Brett, and 14-month-old Cameron enjoyed.

Loren and her husband Jeff Klimowicz, a former Army captain, attended with their 9-month-old baby, Dylan, and 4-year-old son, Logan, so they could “say thank you for all you do,” to the veterans.

“It’s good to have something to do,” Mr. Klimowicz said, adding that they look forward to a “bigger and better” Scottsdale Ranch Community Veterans Day event next year.

Scottsdale Ranch Community Association Executive Director Katie Barnes noted the success of the first-time Veterans Day ceremony.

“I think it was marvelous. It conveyed the sentiment that we wanted to say that we are so proud of our veterans in our military. We are thankful,” she said.