Massing of the Colors and Service of Remembrance
Massing of the Colors (and Service of Remembrance) is a patriotic ceremony to honor the American Flag and those who have served our country in the armed services. It's also a time to rededicate faith in our nation and to express our gratitude for all who have served or currently serving. Color guard units, distinguished guests, and guest speakers are all on hand to honor our servicemen and women.
Patriotic music abounds with a live band playing at various times throughout the program. At the end of the program, a bugler to plays "Taps" to honor fallen service members.
Massing of the Colors is free event open to the general public. Many local patriotic organizations participate in displaying their flags. These include active duty, reserve, and National Guard units, ROTC and JROTC units, veteran groups, and other MOWW chapters.
Our 2023 Massing of the Colors will take place on February 21st at the Palm Ridge Recreation Center in Sun City West, Arizona. The ceremony will feature flag bearing units from the local area and ROTC units. The speaker for this Massing is Scott Nelson. A retired USAF veteran with 39 continual years of USAF service, he entered the Air Force via the Delayed Enlistment Program in 1979 and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant while serving as an enlisted weather specialist. In 1984 he earned an appointment to the USAF Academy where he was commissioned a 2Lt in the Class of 1988. As an active duty officer, he served tours as the Command Weather Briefer to the CINC-PACAF, Hickam AFB, HI, the Executive Officer, Directorate of Athletics and Aide-de-Camp to the Superintendent, USAF Academy, CO, and as a US Military Observer to the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization in the Middle East. He retired from active duty in 2009. He will be speaking on Military Life and Patriotism.