Traci Baker and Patricia Wegehaupt
On November 11, 2016, Veterans Day, many residents of PebbleCreek were part of a truly patriotic program at the Renaissance Theater. A program filled with gratitude for all the men and women who are serving or have served our country in the military. Beginning with the Arizona Sons of the American Revolution, the audience at the Renaissance Theater was inspired by the incredible Presentation of Colors by the group in their traditional uniforms.
No tribute to veterans would be fitting without the Pledge of Allegiance; this year it was led by our very own Jim Martin, followed by Bev Griggs who sang a beautiful version of our National Anthem made even more special as she invited the audience to sing along. Next Steve Monez, a member of the Arizona Sons of the American Revolution, continued the program with a reenactment of George Washington addressing the Continental Congress in 1777. This was followed by singing along to each of the military songs as they were played and the always moving God Bless the U.S.A. was performed beautifully by Gary Griggs who also served as Master of Ceremonies.
A very special and new addition to the PebbleCreek annual salute to veterans was an incredible slide show featuring more than 225 photos of veterans submitted by PebbleCreek residents. The photos were accompanied by the veteran’s name, branch of service and years of service when possible. The people behind this idea, and who worked tirelessly for months compiling the show, are PebbleCreek volunteers Sandra and David Hand. Their contribution to saluting veterans is considerable.
This slide show also ran for 24 hours on Veterans Day on PebbleTV that can be seen on the monitors in the clubhouses and Activities Office as well as on Cox digital channel 1960. <<To view the slide show from your computer, click here.>> PebbleCreek Director of Technology, Priscilla Wardlow and Communications team member Susan Knox Wilson made it possible for this show to be seen on PebbleTV and online.
The community remains grateful to Richard Froncek and James Snider for donating the beautiful military flags on stage during the presentation. Also contributing to the presentation, the PC Quilters displayed an incredible World War I memorial quilt. The spirit of gratitude was in the air as all who participated certainly recognized that it is indeed a privilege to give thanks and recognition to those who have served to preserve our freedom.