Phoenix Elks Honor Fallen Heroes at Arizona National Cemetery
Submitted by Jeff Beasley, Esteemed Loyal Knight
More than 22 members of Phoenix Elks Lodge #335 proudly participated in Memorial Day activities at Arizona National Cemetery, demonstrating the Lodge’s continued commitment to honoring veterans, remembering our fallen heroes, and serving the community.
Led by Veterans Committee Chair Nicole Beach, Phoenix Elks volunteers assisted throughout the weekend, including placing and later retrieving thousands of American flags honoring our nation’s heroes. Members also donated and distributed 5,000 bottles of water to attendees during the Memorial Day ceremony, generously provided by Phoenix Elks Lodge #335.
Exalted Ruler Clint Tompkins had the honor of laying a wreath, donated by Phoenix Elks Lodge #335, in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
“Today we stood together not just to remember our veterans, but to honor the sacrifice behind every flag placed and every name remembered,” said ER Clint Tompkins.
The ceremony was well attended by Elks and community members from across Arizona. Fellow Elk and Mesa-Buckhorn Lodge #2656 PER Debbie Melton served as the keynote speaker, sharing reflections from her more than 20 years of service with the United States Air Force. Arizona Elks State President Frank Buso was also recognized on stage as a state dignitary during the ceremony.
Phoenix Elks PER Karen Seaman, who also serves as the VAVS representative for Phoenix, was instrumental in working with various groups to help coordinate many of the efforts for the event.
Originally published in the July 2026 Tracks newsletter of Phoenix Elks Lodge #335. Read the full issue (PDF).
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