“Suited to Serve”
Military uniforms from the eras can now be seen at the Cave Creek Museum. The new museum exhibit is named “Suited to Serve.”
The military uniforms include formal and semi-formal dress apparel, military dress hats, a special plaque and an American flag, folded for presentation to a veteran’s family, among other items. The military clothing, accessories and other exhibit items represent service during World War I, World War II, and the Korea war, among others. The exhibit encompasses the Marines, Army, Navy and Air Force.
“Many people may not know that military members refer to their hats as ‘covers,’ says Patty Kelbley, museum volunteer. “The background behind these military items is quite fascinating. The new exhibit also will feature a beautiful plaque donated by Matthew Scott after his museum presentation about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The inscription reads: ‘This garden is a living tribute to all of America’s veterans and their families. In silence and respect, this is a place to remember why millions of Americans have fought and died for our liberty and freedom. Here we renew our promise to fulfill America’s sacred duty to never forget. Here, we renew our mutual pledge to support them with our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.’”
The plaque eventually will grace the Veterans Memory Garden, which is currently under construction in front of the museum grounds.
An American flag, which draped the casket of a deceased veteran to honor the person’s memory and service to the country, also is displayed with the words spoken by the soldier presenting the flag to the honoree’s widow or surviving family: ”On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard) and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.”
One of the signature pieces in the exhibit is an Air Force uniform that belonged to Santos Rubira. After serving in the Air Force during World War II, Rubira moved to Cave Creek. He bought a tubercular cabin from the Desmount Sanatorium and used it as his home and vacation house. Rubira donated the cabin to the museum in 1984. It remains the last intact tubercular cabin in Arizona and is on the National Registry of Historic Places.
The 54-year-old museum’s mission is to preserve the artifacts of the prehistory, history, culture and legacy of the Cave Creek Mining District and the Cave Creek/Carefree foothills area through education, research and interpretive exhibits. The Cave Creek Museum is located at 6140 E. Skyline Drive in Cave Creek, Ariz. Open October through May. The museum can be reached at 480.488.2764 or cavecreekmuseum.org. Where History Comes Alive.
Photos courtesy Fran Booth, ABC
