Mesa / Arizona / United States
The Mesa Cemetery hosts a Memorial Day observation each year. Beginning at 10 a.m., Mesa Cemetery staff is available from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. to hand out flags, help visitors locate gravesites, and provide general assistance. Service begins at 10: 45 am A special memorial service for the 24 British R.A.F. and American fighter pilot trainees who died in training at Mesas Falcon Field during World War II is held annually at the Cemetery near Veterans Day. This ceremony is sponsored by the Lion & Unicorn Chapter of the Daughters of the British Empire in the U.S.A. Over the past four decades, this annual service has developed into a significant and poignant event. In 1997, it was attended by Sir Angus Ogilvy, husband of Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandria, as well as British Consul-General Merrick Baker-Bates. The Mesa Cemetery provides the opportunity to recognize loved ones with a decorative fir holiday wreath. The $40 fee includes the wreath, easel, placement on grave, and removal after the holidays. Checks can be made payable to City of Mesa. Deadline to order wreaths is November 3rd. Wreaths will be placed on the graves within the first two weeks of December.
