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THE MESA TRIBUNE | NOVEMBER 7, 2021
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Falcon Field plans 80th anniversary events TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
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alcon Field Airport is again welcoming friends from across the Atlantic for its 80th anniversary commemorative events this month. “In 1941, the United States was not in the war yet, but Britain was embroiled in a war. Learning how to fly in a war-torn environment, especially in Europe with the weather the way it is, was difficult and inefficient. The U.S. had an agreement with Britain for training and support, so that meant that places like Falcon Field were built to train Royal Air Force cadets,” said Mike Doyle, pilot and member of the Wings of Flight Foundation. On Sept. 14, 1941, the No. 4 British Flying Training School opened on an empty expanse of desert on the undeveloped northern edge of Mesa, one of six pilot training bases created in America to train Allied pilots. The Wings of Flight Foundation pilot group is reuniting school members by researching and inviting them and their families to Mesa for the milestone anniversary. They have located 20 living pilots, 33
The wraps around the buildings on bustling Falcoln Field in Mesa are an impressive tribute to the pilots who trained there during World War II. (Tribune file photo) widows and over 95 families and will host some of them for a week of activities. The reunion will culminate in a dinner gala on Nov. 13 in an original 1941 hangar surrounded by vintage military aircraft, including some used in Falcon Field training between 1941-1945. “When we moved into the historic hangar, we were gifted a box of memorabilia by Mesa Vice Mayor Jenn Duff. She is a descendant of a British Royal Air Force navigation instructor who trained cadets at Falcon Field,” said WOFF member and
reunion organizer Jocelyn Condon. “The box included documents from the 50th celebration back in 1991.” British cadet descendant Kathryn Masters and RAF pilot descendant John Barber of Tempe researched and contacted pilots and their descendants. They also included U.S. citizens who supported the training mission at Falcon Field as aircraft mechanics, air traffic controllers, and administrative staff with the help of Carolyn Wischler McDaniel, daughter of Joe Wischler who was the Chief Mechanic
soldier who was the first placed in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Unknown soldiers were added in 1958 and 1984. Partnering with the MCC Veterans Day Planning Committee, the Mesa-East Valley Rose Society led the effort to design and plant the garden with 15 rose bushes that complement the existing white Honor roses and red Veterans Honor roses in the Veterans Garden, on the east end of the MCC Rose Garden. “Planting white roses is an expression of our profound love, respect and pride in the millions who have served to preserve the United States of America,” said Mike Cryer,
volunteer coordinator, captain of the Veterans Garden section of the garden and a member of the MCC Veterans Day Planning Committee. “White roses represent respect, remembrance, honor and admiration.” Cryer, a Vietnam veteran, pointed out that as a veteran, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier carries an overarching recognition of all the men and women who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms Americans enjoy today. “It is very significant that the tomb is guarded 24/7 much as these warriors have guarded us over the years.” Prior to the ribbon cutting, the event opens with the posting of the colors by the United States Army National Guard Honor
at Falcon Field from 1941-1945. ““I think it’s important for future generations to know how Mesa participated in World War II and what the ‘greatest generation’ gave up for our freedom,” said Anne Beeby, whose father Ken Beeby received RAF pilot training at Falcon Field. Events and activities related to Falcon Field Airport’s history and 80th Anniversary: • Wings of Flight Foundation has created an archive in partnership with the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, England for the pictures and stories about the No. 4 British Flying Training School: americanairmuseum.com/unit/4175 . • Documentary film producer Kelly Sallaway of Rushbrook Media is filming a series about each of the six British training flying schools. A preview of her film will be shown at the gala. • Wings of Flight Foundation has been working with local museum curator Steve Hoza to develop an educational display for the historic hangar at Falcon Field. • Daryl F. Mallett, author of the Falcon Field book in the Images of America book
see FALCON page 14
MCC to open special veterans garden Thursday
TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
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esa Community College is marking Veterans Day Thursday with the dedication of its new Never Forget Garden, a space within the nationally renowned Rose Garden that honors U.S. service members and the 100th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Ceremonies 10-11:30 a.m. at the Southern Avenue and Dobson Road garden location are open to the public. The Never Forget Garden is planted exclusively in white roses. The significance of the white rose dates to 1921 when a bouquet of white roses was placed on the casket of an unknown WWI
Guard, followed by the singing of the National Anthem by local vocalist Jocelyn Kleinman. MCC Interim President Dr. Lori Berquam will give the welcome address Dignitaries providing remarks include Bob Martin, the 56th president of the American Rose Society who initiated national support for Never Forget Gardens across the country; and Matthew Scott, life member of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Following remarks, 21 bells will ring in remembrance of the events of 1921 and in a symbolic gesture, white roses will be distributed to attendees. Guided tours of the garden are being provided following the ceremony. ■
