What a wonderful event Fountain Hills conducted in remembering, commemorating and honoring those service members who gave their lives for our great country.

The three veterans service organizations (VFW Post 7507, AMVETS Post 7 and American Legion Post 58) held a beautiful 9 a.m. ceremony. Carlos Hadaway gave a brilliant and informative speech.

Thanks go to the Fountain Hills Saxophone Quartet for providing inspirational music and to Debbie Fisher for leading us in the National Anthem and God Bless America. Additional thanks go to Pauline Fortier for playing Taps so well.

A special thanks goes to Bill Beamish and the Four Peaks Rotary Club for their excellent idea and organization of the Flags for our Fallen. What a wonderful and moving display. Many, many people and service organizations from the Boy Scouts to Noon Kiwanis to the VFW to the Fountain Hills Rotary Club and individuals all contributed. But without Bill Beamish’s idea and vision this would not have happened. What a moving tribute to all those service members who gave up their lives for our great country.

Many people confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day as evidenced by letters, Facebook entries, tweets and media comments, especially on TV. In the interest of clarity, Memorial Day is officially proclaimed to honor those who died while serving in the Armed Forces, while Veterans Day is set aside to honor all those who are now serving or who have served in the Armed Forces in time of war or in time of peace.

On both days we should be thankful for those who serve to protect our American freedoms, but on Memorial Day we should especially be thankful for and remember those who sacrificed their lives so that we might live in freedom and hopefully in peace.

Thanks to all who participated.