Arizona State Parks - Press Release

ARIZONA STATE PARKS
For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partnerships.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518, pio at azstateparks.gov or Monica Enriquez at (602) 542-6997

FORT VERDE STATE HISTORIC PARK HONORS
VETERANS AT “HISTORY OF THE SOLDIER”
AND STATE PARKS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

(Phoenix, Arizona - March 29, 2007) - Fort Verde State Historic Park will hold its annual "History of the Soldier" event April 14-15 in Camp Verde. The event offers visitors a living history timeline of military and civilian encampments up to the present day.

“History of the Soldier” will also celebrate Arizona State Parks' 50th anniversary on April 14. The events will begin at 10 a.m. This will be a celebration with dignitaries and a cake cutting under the big tent. 50th Anniversary displays will also be featured including activities for children.

Through “Living History” interpretation, the Park will honor the dedication, commitment and sacrifice of men and women from around the globe in the Armed Forces of all eras. Activities will include flag raising ceremonies and special memorial services as well as the drill calls, colors and retreat all performed as part of the event, and an 1870s-era baseball game. Veterans from around the state are encouraged to attend this special event and come to Camp Verde for picnics and special gatherings at Fort Verde State Historic Park.

For more information about “History of the Soldier” contact the rangers at (928) 567-3275. Fort Verde State Historic Park is located in downtown Camp Verde, Arizona. Take I-17 to Hwy 260 (east). Turn left on Main Street to 125 E. Holloman St. Park entry is on the right side.

Park entrance fee will be waived on April 14. On April 15, the park entrance fee is $2 per person ages 14 & up. (There is no charge for children 13 and under). Arizona State Park Annual Pass is available for $45 (some restrictions apply) and Premium Annual Pass is sold for $100. Arizona State Parks offers a free Annual Pass to disabled veterans living in Arizona for those qualified at 100% disability.

This event is part of Arizona State Parks 50th Anniversary celebration held from October 2006 through December 2007. Special events will be held at each park such as a traditional mariachi festival, plein art shows, an apple festival, geocaching, solar energy celebrations and astronomy galas. Hiking, fishing, boating and mountain biking await those individuals with an adventurous attitude. Come uncover the many secret places and stories that are still to be found in Arizona's State Parks.

The Arizona State Parks Board was established in 1957 to acquire and manage park and cultural areas. Over the years, legislation has added other programs to Arizona State Parks and as a result, the Volunteer Board is responsible for a much broader spectrum of duties. These duties are related to historic preservation, archaeology, outdoor recreation, resource conservation/education and grant administration.

For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 or (800) 285-3703 outside of the Phoenix metro area or visit the website at www.azstateparks.com.

HISTORY OF THE SOLDIER 2007
Schedule of Activities

Saturday, April 14

8:00-9:30am - Foot drills and mounted cavalry drills
10:00am - Opening ceremony - Colors- flag raising, gun salute and opening comments with Arizona State Park Director, Ken Travous.
10:30am - Firearm demonstrations.
10:30am - 4: 30pm
"History of the Soldier" Symposium - Living historians present their experience and/or knowledge: the conflict, firearms, accoutrements, and uniform.
1:00pm - Drill call - demonstrations of tactical exercises
1:30pm - Recall from drill
2:00 - 4:00pm - On-going living history presentations; fashion show, and Mounted drill call
4:00pm - Call to Arms!
5:00pm - Colors & Retreat; flag lowering ceremony

Sunday, April 15

8:30am - Colors Flag raising and gun salute
8:30am - Sunday morning inspection- all units.
9:00am - 1870's period church service
10:00am - 1870's Baseball Game.
11:00am - 2:00pm - Tea and Social with guest speakers
1:00pm - Drill call
2:00pm - Return from Drill
3:00pm - Colors and retreat / Flag lowering ceremony

o Schedule is tentative and subject to change

HISTORY OF THE SOLDIER 2007
Symposium

Presentations by:

Bob Boydston - Mustang Pilot WWII 8th Air Force

Alicia Mc Graw - One of the first African American women to serve on a naval battle ship in the Gulf War

Ed Miller - B 38 Pilot - shares his war experience with a tist of history and humor

The Buffalo Soldiers - Historical Cavalry Tactics & History of the Buffalo Soldiers

Al Harrica - Author, “They Saved a Nation” - History of men that served in the Union Army from Al's hometown

Al Raitano - Entertainer/Singer, and President- Elect US Marshal's Posse, District of AZ
Al will tell the story of the US Marshal's Service - Under of the jurisdiction of the Department of the Justice - On-site mounted and un-mounted pose

Ray Clanton - B 29 Pilot - 1 hour presentation including slideshow and oral history

Bishop Reverend Keith Waldrop
Religion & the Military

* Other presentations will be on going throughout the day


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