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Massing of the Colors (and Service of Remembrance) is a patriotic ceremony to honor the American Flag and those who have served our country in the armed services. It's also a time to rededicate faith in our nation and to express our gratitude for all who have served or currently serving. Color guard units, distinguished guests, and guest speakers are all on hand to honor our servicemen and women.
Patriotic music abounds with a live band playing at various times throughout the program. At the end of the program this year, a Marine Corps version of Taps is played by a bugler and the band to honor fallen service members.
Massing of the Colors is free event open to the general public. Many local patriotic organizations participate in displaying their flags. These include active duty, reserve, and National Guard units, ROTC and JROTC units, veteran groups, and other MOWW chapters.
Our 2024 Massing of the Colors took place on February 20th at the Palm Ridge Recreation Center in Sun City West, Arizona. The ceremony featured flag bearing units from the local area and Junior ROTC units. The speaker for this Massing was CPT Wanona (Winnie) Fritz USA(Fmr) MSN, Ed D, NEA-BC/CNAA. Captain Fritz, gave an inspiring talk titled Life in the U.S. and Jordan Military – Memories, Lessons Learned and Gifts. She delved into her service as a nurse during the Vietnam War and lessons learned that can, should and will be taken to heart by all those who heard her message. She started her talk with how she, as troop leader, took her “boys” to Vietnam and how she earned their title as “Mom” when she was 22 and they were 19 to 20 years old. She talked about the sacrifices our military personnel made and how she watched some die while she comforted them in their last minutes. She also delved into how her service as a nurse led to being on the nursing staff at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and treating His Majesty King Hussein of Jordan. The King was so impressed with her that he offered her a job working for his Kingdom. She accepted and spent 17 years in his service where she was awarded the VIP Award and the Jordanian equivalent of the Medal of Honor.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!!
The Desert Brass Band will begin a patriotic musical prelude at 11:15 AM with the ceremony starting at 11:45 AM on 11 February 2025 at the Palm Ridge Recreation Center in Sun City West, AZ.
Featured speaker will be White House Doctor
Dr. Connie Mariano, MD, FACP
Rear Admiral, USN Retired
“Life Lessons from Military Service”
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