Fountain Hills paid homage to veterans of the U.S. military with Veterans Day ceremonies at the Veterans Memorial in Fountain Park on Sunday, Nov. 11.

The event, highlighted by a surprise flyover by vintage military aircraft, was organized by the Marine Corps Detachment 1439 with the participation of Fountain Hills veterans’ organizations including American Legion Post 58, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7507 and AMVETS Post 7.

Tait Elkie, Commandant, Marine Corps League 1439 welcomed those attending, calling upon the audience to remember the sacrifices made by military veterans and their families, many who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Keynote speaker was Brig. Gen. R. Gregg Maxon, AZ Army Nat. Guard (Ret.). While Veterans Day marks the anniversary of the end of World War I, referred to as the “war to end all wars,” this year being the 100th anniversary, Maxon said the U.S. military rose in strength in response to WWI. The army increased from 260,000 in 1917 to 4.7 million just 18 months later.

It was World War II that showed the industrial might and the resolve of the United States, and after WWII the U.S. for the first time maintained its standing strength.

Maxon related the story of a Romanian military officer who was attending leadership training in the United States, who just a few years before was standing on the opposite side in the war. That officer said that the United States was the last super power, “and it needs to stay that way.”

Maxon said the number of veterans who took advantage of the GI Bill after WWII was unexpectedly large.

“These are the people who saved the world, came home and went to school and then built the nation on their backs,” Maxon said.

He said Vietnam was a dark time for the U.S. military, so much so that GIs like himself were told to get into civilian clothes before they went back into the public, and not to tell people they had served.

In a salute to Vietnam veterans Maxon said they have stood up and said today’s veterans would not be treated like they were, and they make sure they get a sendoff when they leave and a welcome home when they return.

Maxon said he is optimistic about the future with the young veterans he meets today. He said it was an honor for him on Saturday, just the day before Veterans Day, to swear in new recruits at halftime of the ASU football game in Tempe.

“Today there are great young Americans stepping up to serve,” Maxon said. “Some are struggling when they come home, but they are finding their way back.

“The military is in great hands today.”