"The Last Full Measusre..." - Veterans Day 2014

     Arizonans long ago formally commemorated the sacrifices made by thousands of its citizens during the ten plus years of conflict in Vietnam with the dedication of the state’s official Vietnam Veterans Memorial on November 9, 1985.  Located near the state capital in Wesley Bolin Plaza, this moving memorial is the work of famous sculptor Jasper d’Ambrosi.
    Here on this small plot of Arizona “holy ground” are engraved on 10 columns of polished black granite the names of 613 Arizonans who “gave their last full measure” or who were missing in action in Vietnam.  The ten, tablets of honor encircle a larger-than-life statue of three struggling, American soldiers who exemplify the brotherhood and courage that bond all Vietnam War veterans.
    The non-profit In-County Vietnam Veterans Association sponsors an annual Vietnam Remembrance Day at this memorial the last Sunday of April close to the anniversary of the 1975 fall of Saigon.
    The Arizona Vietnam Veterans Memorial is one of thirty-two monuments found in Wesley Bolin Plaza which acts as Arizona’s “national mall”.  Open every day of the year, Wesley Bolin Plaza is where the monuments to Arizona’s heroes reside for all citizens to walk among, learn and remember.

Vietnam War Memorial at Wesley Bolin Plaza

The Phoenix Temple

    
    This is the last week when the general public can experience a tour of the new Phoenix Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  It is incredibly beautiful!  You will surely be glad that you made time to go!

     All the photos shown here were a part of Press Kit giving to members of the press during an October 2014 tour.  All rights belong to the Phoenix Temple. 

     The Phoenix Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will be official dedicated on November 16, 2014.  A Public Open House is currently underway at the Temple located at 5220 W. Pinnacle Peak Road.   Tours occur from 8AM – 4:30PM, Monday – Saturday through November 1.  All ages, including children are welcome!  Admission is free but reservations are requested - https://templeopenhouse.lds.org/tickets/ .  Please park at the Wet‘n’Wild parking lot and ride the free shuttle to the Temple.  Modest dress is requested.
    The Mormon Church teaches that God has commanded His people to build temples since the time of the Old Testament. Temples are considered sacred buildings where God could teach, guide and bless His people.  Here His people  make covenants to serve God and their fellowman.
    Construction on the Phoenix Temple began on 5.19 acres of land on June 4, 2011.  The 27,423 square foot structure is spectacular in both design and décor.  The color scheme is of earth tones to match those of the Sonoran Desert with terracotta and turquoise motif designs. 
    The Phoenix Temple is the fifth Mormon temple to be dedicated in Arizona.  It will serve some 60,000 families in the northwest part of the Valley and Arizona.  The Mesa Temple was the first Temple in Arizona when it opened in 1927.  Other Arizona Temples are located in Snowflake, Thatcher and Gilbert. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints now has 144 operating temples around the world.

Phoenix Temple

Entry Area

Entry Room Waiting Area

Baptistry

Baptistry detail

Celestial  Room

Another view of Celestial Room

Instruction Room

Another Instructional Room

Murals of the Sonoran Desert

Sealing Room

Art Glass detail

Interior Stone detail

Stair Railing detail

Birds-eye View of Arizona

     Enjoy seeing Arizona from the view point of a bird!  The photos you see here were taken by Bob Copen, a neighbor and friend.  We hope  you enjoy this unique and amazing view of Arizona!

       The natural grandeur of Arizona is most often enjoyed while traveling down one of the many highways or roads that crisscross our deserts, canyons and mountains.  Sometimes we are lucky enough to have the window seat of a jet airliner, yet viewing Arizona from 3,000 feet is usually short on details.  But if you have the financial resources and are willing to deal with your nerves, getting to know Arizona from the perspective of a highflying bird is truly an awesome visual experience.
    Getting that birds-eye view of Arizona can happen in many ways.  Anthem resident Robert J. Copen, Major USA, Retired, was able to hitch a ride on a Black Hawk helicopter with the Arizona National Guard during one of the Guard’s missions to northern Arizona.  Through the open door of the “gunner seat”, Major Copen was able to capture the incredible pictures of Arizona shown with our story while flying at 3000 feet over Monument Valley, Lake Powell, Flagstaff and Sedona.
    For most Arizonans getting that birds-eye view of our great state comes by means of one of the many private air-tour companies scattered around the state.  Westwind Air Service is such a company located near Anthem at Deer Valley Airport.  These folks can fly your family and friends over and to Arizona’s most spectacular destinations.  They can even arrange flights into Sonora, Mexico as well as to Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands and Arches National Parks in Utah.  Flights around Arizona begin at $299/person.
    Some Arizonans will choose to soar with the birds by way of hot air balloons.  Hot Air Expeditions is another local company located near Deer Valley Airport.  Fodor’s Travel has rated Hot Air Expeditions the “Best Balloon Flight in Phoenix” for the past 19 years! Since hot air balloons can glide just above the ground or a few hundred feet above the ground, the views and photo opportunities from these air machines are unmatched and unlimited.  Flights begin at $179/person.
    So as we move from the heat of summer and into the wonderful coolness that comes back each fall, let us suggest you consider getting out and taking a look at Arizona from a bird’s point of view.  Be sure to take your camera for what you will see can best be described as breathtaking and glorious! 

Monument Valley

Notice structure known as Totem Pole in upper left.

Agatha Peak just outside Monument Valley

Boats on Lake Powell

Rainbow Bridge from the air

Marina at Lake Powell, Paige, Arizona

Glen Canyon Dam

Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam

Marble Canyon Bridge

Old and new bridge at Marble Canyon

Highway 89A crosses Colorado River at Marble Canyon.

San Francisco Peaks

Switchbacks coming out of Oak Creek Canyon near Flagstaff

Beautiful Sedona

Chimney Rock in Sedona