Captain Emilio Carranza has been called "Mexico's Lindbergh". In 1928, while flying a goodwill mission from New York City to Mexico City, his plane crashed near Tabernacle, New Jersey during a thunderstorm. Since his death, members of American Legion Post 11 in Mount Holly have continued to promote his goodwill mission by honoring the pioneer aviator Captain Emilio Carranza. 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.

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 are also happy that we have kept this promise made by our Post 11 forefathers 82 years ago without fail.

Our Annual Social Night Dinner was held on Friday evening to allow people to meet each other as well as mingle and meet the members members of the Carranza Family and the members of the Mount Holly Post 11. Thank You Gill and Suzanne for attending. Also in attendance were Captain Gary Growney, Colonel Robert Jennings, and Major Paul Bolognone, his wife Delores, representing the NJ Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. Also in attendance was our own Ladies Auxiliary Unit # 11, and our Pilots Frank and Barbara Hickenbothem from Freeflight Aviation.

Due to rain, the ceremony was expedited by going directly to the placing of wreaths at the monument. Wreaths were 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. After the wreaths were presented, members of Post 11 re-enacted the bringing Captain Carranza out of the pines, and the ceremony was closed with a Rifle salute and the playing of the National Anthems.

Following the service, the Burlington County Sheriff's department escort the attendees back to the indoor festivities. The speakesrs spoke inside at the fiesta, and after the guest speakers had spoke, the food was served to our guests.

Meatballs, "Butch's Smack Your Lips" Smoked Pulled Pork, Mexican Rice, Tossed Salad, Potato Salad, Pasta Salad, Authentic Mexican Tamales, Chips and Salsa were served as part of the luncheon meal. The Tamales were donated by Ballet Folklorico Dancers from New York City.

The Ballet Folklorico Dancers from New York City danced in full authentic costumes. This is a real pleasure to witness the cultural dancing and authentic costumes of the various regions of Mexico. We Thank them for helping to promote our multi-cultural event.

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

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 God and Country,