'We come together in solace': Gathering in remembrance on Memorial Day

Gov. Katie Hobbs spoke at a Memorial Day ceremony at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery of Arizona in north Phoenix on Monday morning.

Dozens of wreaths lined the front of the stage; songs and speakers moved several attendees to tears.

"Today, we come together in solace, in solidarity, to pay our respects to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our freedoms at home and abroad," Hobbs said at the start of her speech, after thanking the staff and volunteers who helped put together the event.

The governor explained the history of Memorial Day, saying it was first recognized in 1868 when people placed flowers on the graves of soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery to honor those who died while serving the country.

Since America's inception, Hobbs said, the armed forces have defended the country and Americans' freedom. Without the military, she said, the freedoms valued by the nation would be under threat. She attributed America's ability to be "steadfast" and "strong" to the sacrifices of the men and women who gave their lives in military service.

Hobbs also recognized family members who lost loved ones in the armed services.

"As we reflect on their selflessness, let us also extend our support to the families they leave behind," Hobbs said. "My heart is with each and every one of you today because I know the hole left behind is there every day as well."

Diana Pike, an Army veteran and Gold Star parent, spoke after Hobbs about the loss of her son, Christian. He was a member of the U.S. Navy who served on SEAL Team 5 and was killed in Afghanistan.

Pike said her son was an organ donor and that the five people who received his organs are still alive.

Christian carried the U.S. flag with him on every mission, she said. She had that flag with her, telling the audience he had it with him until the end.

In addition to speakers, the ceremony featured a flag-folding demonstration by the Luke Air Force Base honor guard and a performance of "The Armed Forces Medley." It concluded with "God Bless America," and audience members could be seen singing along, emotional while they sang.

Hundreds gather in remembrance at Mountain View Cemetery in Mesa

In Mesa, about 500 people gathered Monday morning at the Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery to honor fallen service members during the cemetery's 24th annual Memorial Day commemoration ceremony.

A jeep parade kicked off this year's event, followed by the presentation of colors, a wreath-laying ceremony, a flag-folding ceremony, taps and a gun salute by the American Legion Post 27 Honor Guard. There were moments of reflection, remarks and a performance by the Josh Roy Band amid the serene landscape of the cemetery.

Elisa Krcilek, vice president of Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, said this year's turnout was larger than last year and the years before the COVID-19 pandemic. She said she was happy to see the ceremony provide a "meaningful space" for the community to come together to honor those who have served in the U.S. military.

"When you talk about freedom, freedom is not free," Krcilek said. "These men and women and kids that attended today recognize that that does not happen by chance. ... It happens with people who are ordinary doing extraordinary things, putting their hand in the air and saying, 'I'll go.'"

Krcileck said Memorial Day holds a special meaning to her because her husband and deceased brother are veterans and her two sons currently serve in the U.S. Navy.

She said that to her, the holiday is an opportunity to remember and pay tribute to those who have sacrificed themselves while serving in the military. "It's not just dying in the field of battle," Krcicleck said. "It's coming home with PTSD ... and other mental and physical challenges that have happened as a direct result from service."

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She said she was pleased to see "so many people start their day of picnics and barbecues and family ... with a 'thank you,'" Krcileck said.

Nancy Fassbender, a veteran who attended the event and a member of Wreaths Across America, has attended the Memorial Day ceremony at Mountain View Cemetery with her family for the past four years. She said the event is meaningful to her because she wants future generations to know about the importance of veterans' and soldiers' sacrifices.

Fassbender served in the military as a helicopter mechanic in the mid-1970s. After three years of service, her military career ended when she was injured in a helicopter accident. Now, she teaches elementary school kids about "the American rights won through our fallen soldiers."

Fassbender also said she saw more people at this year's event than previously.

"It makes me proud," she said. "It makes me proud that our soldiers and veterans did not go in vain; we did make a difference."

Families spend the holiday at Tempe Town Lake

Tempe Town Lake and its surroundings were crowded by midday, with dozens of families spending the day boating, walking and biking — and picnicking in the shaded areas.

Austin Tran, 16, drove from Glendale with his family of eight to enjoy a barbecue by the lake. The Tran family brought their grill and established their picnic under the Mill Avenue Bridge to avoid the scorching noon sun.

"We're just cooking, having a good time," Tran said. "This is where my dad grew up, so we came all the way down because it kind of touches base for him."

Tran said he and his family were planning to drive back to Glendale to have dinner, potentially after renting a boat at the lake. He said he was looking forward to similar gatherings in the future; this was the first time his family went out together for a special activity on Memorial Day.

Jacob Whitehead and his son David were enjoying a stroll at Tempe Beach Park. The family came to the lake to get some exercise after enjoying breakfast at Press Coffee's Skywater location and getting some reading done.

Jacob Whitehead said one of his favorite things about Memorial Day is being able to sleep in.

"It's unbeatable. For me, it's wonderful," Jacob said.

As noon approached and the temperature ticked past 100 degrees, David, 7, remarked that the weather was "kind of nice."

"Just kind of getting warmer," the boy said.

David said walking or going on their scooters along the lake is a common weekend activity for him and his dad, as they live near the area.

"We still want to do the boat rentals someday," David said.

Reach the reporters at abigail.celaya@gannett.com and laura.sepulveda@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizonans gather in remembrance on Memorial Day