This year, 2006, Emilio would also be 100 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.

The Sugar Sand Ramblers will attend and perform. Their music is at the heart of the Pinelands tradition. It is a tradition passed down from one generation to the next. Southern New Jersey is rich in a heritage that has been expressed over the centuries in its music and in folk lore. For more information on The Sugar Sand Ramblers Click Here http://www.sugarsandramblers.com or Click here to E-Mail Sugar Sand Ramblers.

July 8th Saturday 1 PM

This will be our 78th anniversary for the passing of Emilio. He was found still clutching his flashlight in the Jersey Pines 78 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 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 or 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 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 Mexican 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 8th, 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 VFW Post 2692 in Mount Holly, NJ. Directions and information will be passed out at the Ceremony in the pines. Parking will be in the adjacent hospital parking lot.

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 609.267.5907. 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 Chairman, William Heller, at (609) 267-5907 so the information can be put into the program.

Please do not order a wreath without first contacting the Carranza 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:

Edgar's Flowers
(609) 261-1116
Lumberton, NJ

Amy's Flower Junction
(609) 261-3002
Lumberton, NJ

other florists will be listed as they contact us

For God and Country,