Mary Hart, newsletter editor for Sun City’s National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Agua Fria chapter, carried the chapter flag at the annual Military Order of the World Wars Massing of the Colors and Service of Remembrance ceremony Feb. 11 in Sun City West. 

The MOWW was formed in 1919 after the end of World War I and Massing of the Colors ceremonies are held annually across the United States. 

The public ceremony was organized by MOWW West Valley AZ chapter 131 to recognize and honor veterans and to never forget the POW/MIA veterans. Many patriotic and military organizations were represented by carrying their organization’s flag.

Music director Dr. Robert Ouren conducted the Desert Brass Band, which provided patriotic music. Veterans stood to be honored when they played each of the U.S. military service songs. Rosies and Rosebuds also stood and were recognized when the band played “Rosie the Riveter.” 

The Peoria High School AFJROTC Ceremonial Honor Guard presented the Missing Man table ceremony.

Guest speaker was retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral and doctor Eleanor Concepcion “Connie” Mariano. She was the first military women to serve as the White House physician to the president, the first woman director of the White House medical unit and first Filipino American in U.S. history to become a Navy Rear Admiral.  After retiring from the U.S. Navy, Mariano worked at Scottsdale Mayo Clinic from July 2001 to October 2005. Now she has her own private practice taking care of patients. 

Visit moww.org for more information about the Military Order of the World Wars organization.

Visit aguafria.arizonadar.org  for more information about the Agua Fria chapter.