AMVETS member Leo Pimple starts the introduction of the ground-breaking ceremony for a bell tower at the Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery.
In the back is John Clabourne Jr., interment supervisor. (Ed Honda • Herald/Review)
Posted on 11/19/2009 5:55:45 PM PST by SandRat
SIERRA VISTA — On May 30 next year, the sound of patriotic music will be the norm on grounds of the Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery.
It will be on Memorial Day 2010 when a 40-foot-tall carillon — a bell tower — will be dedicated.
On Wednesday, a short groundbreaking ceremony took place to start the construction phase for the carillon.
Every year, the national headquarters of AMVETS helps fund two carillons to be placed in cemeteries that are dedicated as final resting places for veterans.
Members of the local AMVETS post are sponsors of the project and have been raising some of the funds to place the carillon in the state-operated cemetery.
The cost for the special tower is about $100,000, of which national AMVETS will provide half.
Along with the national funds needed, more money had to be raised for the maintenance and operation of the carillon.
Present at the groundbreaking were state, local and military personnel, with 13 people using shovels to remove the first dirt from the site.
Retired Army Col. Joey Strickland, director of the Arizona Department of Veterans Services, said the carillon will be a significant addition to the cemetery.
The electronic bell tower will play a number of musical pieces, including all the military services’ songs, taps, and, if needed, the sound of a rifle salute.
The dedication is planned for noon on the next Memorial Day, which will be in time for the carillon to be played at the annual evening service at the cemetery on that day.
Who was there
Those who participated in the AMVETS Carillon Bell Tower groundbreaking:
• Victor Daniels, military and urban affairs policy adviser to the governor.
• Col. Dennis Perkins, deputy commander of training at the Intelligence Center of Excellence on Fort Huachuca.
• Shay Saucedo, representing Democratic U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.
• Sierra Vista Mayor Bob Strain.
• Joey Strickland, director of the Arizona Department of Veterans Services.
• Joe Larson, administrator of the Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery.
• Mark Rutherford of the Southeastern Arizona Contractors Association.
• Larry McKim, president of the Southern Arizona Veterans’ Cemetery Foundation.
• Rick Munoz, a Life Scout who will be working on landscaping of the carillon grounds as an Eagle Scout project.
• Bob White, chairman of the Greater Sierra Vista Area United Veterans Council.
• Earl Devine, foundation treasurer.
• Jim Chambers, incoming chairman of the veterans council.
• Leo Pimple of the local AMVETS post and chairman of the local carillon project for AMVETS.
AMVETS member Leo Pimple starts the introduction of the ground-breaking ceremony for a bell tower at the Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery.
In the back is John Clabourne Jr., interment supervisor. (Ed Honda • Herald/Review)
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