This year, 2009, Emilio would also be 103 Years Old.

It's a good time to be had by all, and to actually meet some of the dignitaries who travel from all over North America to be here for our Mexican Hero Emilio Carranza. We are told that this is the 4th largest historic Latino site in America.

On behalf of American Legion Post #11, I the Carranza Committee Chairman, would like to cordially invite you to our Saturday Affair. American Legion Post 11 is very appreciative of your interests and assistance in the remembrance of the Gallant Captain Emilio Carranza and his mission of Goodwill and Peace between Nations.

Last Years 80th Emilio Carranza Memorial Service was a great success. The Ballet Folklorico Dancers from New York City were present and danced in full authentic costumes. This was a real pleasure to witness the cultural dancing and costumes. We also minted a coin to commemorate the 80th Memorial Service which was almost sold out with only a few coins remaining.

We are in the planning stages of the 81st Annual Emilio Carranza Memorial Service. We are currently minting a new coin to be minted for 2009 and the following year 2010. We are also discussing the idea of a cookbook to be printed with recipes that inter-weave the two cultures in which Emilio lived and visited. We are currently seeking multi-cultural recipes to be submitted for consideration of being inserted into our publication.

July 11th Saturday 1 PM

This will be our 81st anniversary for the passing of Emilio. He was found still clutching his flashlight in the Jersey Pines 81 years ago. American Legion Post 11 located the crashed aircraft Excelsior, and brought his body to Busby's general store in Chatsworth, then on to Mount Holly, up to New York and back to Mexico by train where he is one of the National Hero's of their country. The ceremony held here is larger than what goes on in Mexico to this day.

American Legion Post 11 members had sworn an oath that we would keep the Goodwill between our two countries every year by having a ceremony at the crash site deep in the Jersey Pine Barrens. Some years there have only been a hand full of Legionaries, but each and every year we have been there. Rain, shine, hurricanes, wind, or heat. The American Legion Post has never failed to honor their past comrades commitment to Mexico and America. Our brotherhood remains strong to this promise of tradition.

We have now incorporated an reenactment of finding Emilio and it is not unheard of to hear the weeping and sobbing and tears in the crowd as Post 11 carries Emilio across the field to the music of Going Home. Those who faithfully attend can only experience the passion and the feelings of all the people.

Wreaths are presented in a warm and friendly way to remind us of the compassion, strength, and love this man had for his country. Just like an American by the name of Charles Lindbergh who met Emilio, they became friends with deep respect for one another as they both risked their lives for their countries in the pioneering of aviation.

This is an experience everyone should have at least once in their life.

July 11th, Saturday 3 PM

Following the one hour service, the New Jersey State Police and Burlington County Sheriffs department will escort the attendees back to the festivities at (Location Not Yet Planned). Directions and information will be passed out at the Ceremony in the pines.

Donations will be greatly appreciated. Our Post does a great job but it costs money and we cannot do this without the help from our friends. Donations can be sent to:
American Legion Post 11
P O Box 711
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
Please mark the item as a donation to The Carranza Event.

If you need any additional information or directions to any of these events please do not hesitate to contact me directly via e-mail or phone 609.893.0999. So spread the word to one of the best-kept secrets in South Jersey.

For those organizations who wish to present a wreath at the Memorial Service, please contact the Carranza Committee Co-Chairman, Bob Barney, at (609) 893-0999 so the information can be put into the program.

Please do not order a wreath without first contacting the Carranza Co-Committee Chairman or it cannot be part of the programmed event.

Wreaths can be ordered from local florists and delivered to the site of the ceremony. Be sure to order the wreath with a stand or it cannot be presented.

some suggestions for local florists are:

McGinley's Florists
(609) 261-1116
Lumberton, NJ

HorseFeathers Flowers and Gifts
(609) 261-3866
(866) 360-4600
Mount Holly, NJ

Different Drummer Florists (609) 261-5770 Mount Holly, NJ

other florists will be listed as they contact us

For God and Country,