On Sunday, November 14, 2010, the Commemorative Air Force, Arizona Wing, held its special memorial service for the 24 British RAF and American fighter pilot trainee Cadets who died during W.W.II training at #4 British Flying Training School, today's Falcon Field, which is located in Mesa, Arizona.
The service, which has been conducted for more than 30 years, took place at beautiful Mesa Cemetery, Mesa, Arizona, and is dedicated to the memory of the 24 Cadets who gave their lives in the service of their country while training at Falcon Field during W.W.II, and who are buried in a special section at the cemetery. The airmen's grave markers include rank, serial numbers, and the eagle crest of the RAF. The British Plot is located approximately in the center of the cemetery, which is landscaped with uniform rows of Italian cypress along with mature olive, citrus and various shade trees.
Representatives of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Royal Air Force, the Daughters of the British Empire, the New Caledonian Pipe Band, Scottish American Military Society, Royal British Legion, and numerous dignitaries from both the City of Mesa and the British government were present.
Over the past four decades, the annual service has developed into a poignant event and is held on the Sunday before the observed Veteran's Day holiday, at 10:45 am. The ceremony is sponsored by the Lion & Unicorn Chapter of the Daughters of the British Empire in the USA.
I would like to personally thank all the individuals and organizations that made this year's ceremony possible.
For more information call 480-268-2140, 480-268-2144 or 480-924-1940.
www.azcaf.org
Denny_D
PS This gallery is under development and only halfway completed, so please stop back for future updates.