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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 this year, a Marine Corps version of Taps is played by a bugler and the band 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 2025 Massing of the Colors took place on February 11th at the Palm Ridge Recreation Center in Sun City West, Arizona. The ceremony featured 41 flag bearing units from the local area and Junior ROTC units and the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Army ROTC. The speaker for this Massing was Rear Admiral Dr. Connie Mariano, MD. Doctor Connie, gave an inspiring talk titled Life Lessons from Military Service. And what military service life she lived. She began her military life as a child of a Philipino U.S. Navy Enlisted Steward who retired as a Master Chief where they moved around the world. She finished her military service as THE White House Doctor for 3 U. S. Presidents as Director of the White House Medical Unit.
Life Lessons
1. The Mission Comes First
2. Follow the Chain of Command
3. Take Care of Your Troops
4. Don’t Burn Your Bridges
5. Serve a Higher Purpose
After life her military service, she served as a consultant in the Executive Health Program at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona until 2005. She continues her medical career of service at the Center for Executive Medicine (CEM), which she founded, a medical concierge which provides presidential quality medical care. She states that she has no plans on retiring. In addition to her medical career she is an author and speaker.
We were privileged to have Doctor Connie speak at our Massing. Thank You Dr. Connie.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
FOR 2026!!!!
The Desert Brass Band will again play patriotic a musical prelude at 11:15 AM with the ceremony starting at 11:45 AM on 10 February 2026 at the Palm Ridge Recreation Center in Sun City West, AZ.
The featured speaker is still to be determined
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