South Phoenix Veterans Commemorate Memorial Day

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Captain Martinez, recently returned to the US, walks with his young son.

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Captain Martinez (cente) is greeted by veterans before ceremony.

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Women arrive carrying photo of fallen soldier.

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American Legion Post 41 colour guard fire twentyone gun salute to honour fallen soldiers.

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World War II veteran carries full sized flag into cemetery.

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World War II veteran.

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Members of the Women's Auxiliary greet people as they arrive.

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Veteran listens to speakers.

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Post Commander Robert Hernandez embraces a National Guard member recently returned from deployment.

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Members and officers of the post listen to speakers at the church.

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Photographs of soldiers killed in action overseas.

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Woman holds photograph of soldier killed in action.

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Man prays for past soldiers and those serving today.

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Members of the post listen to speakers at the church.

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Angel Juarez, the post's chaplin, stands in somber reflection during the ceremony at the cemetery.

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Man places flower at the grave of his brother who died in Vietnam.

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Post Colour Guard stand at the ready in the cemetery.

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Post Officers and guests pray before eating.

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Bugler plays taps in the cemetery.

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Woman places photograph of a fallen soldier next to those of others.

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Woman listens to speakers in the church, while a photograph of a fallen loved rests nearby.

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Man and woman stare silently at gravestone.

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Gravestone of soldier killed in Vietnam, adorned with an American flag.

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Members and officers of the post listen to speakers at the church.

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Small girl at the end of the ceremony at the cemetery.

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Members of American Legion Post 41 gathered with spouses and relatives of perished soldiers to commemorate their collective and individual services to the United States. Phoenix, USA. 30th May 2011

Members of American Legion Post 41 gathered with spouses and relatives of perished soldiers to commemorate their collective and individual services to the United States.

The Legion Post was built in the years following World War II when returning Mexican-American vets were not welcomed in existing Legion posts. The Legion's Women's Auxiliary group has played a large role in the history of the post and organized much of the day's activities.

The day started with a service at a neighborhood Catholic church where prayers were said for soldiers, both past and present.

Following the church service, attendees returned to the Legion Post speakers and breakfast.

The day ended with a service at a local cemetery, honoring those soldiers killed in action and those who served and have since passed away.