SENATOR JOHN McCAIN COMMEMORATES OPENING OF GRANITE MOUNTAIN HOTSHOTS MEMORIAL STATE PARK
Nov 30 2016
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) sent a letter for the dedication of the new Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park, which officially opened to the public in Yarnell, Arizona today:
“This Memorial State Park is a most fitting tribute to these remarkable firefighters who selflessly risked their own lives to protect others and their community in the beautiful Arizona town of Yarnell,” wrote Senator McCain. “I thank Arizona State Parks and the Yarnell Hill Memorial Site Board, who made this designation possible. With this wonderful memorial, I hope the family and friends of those Hotshots who passed may find peace and comfort in this historic designation, which will forever preserve and honor the memory of these brave souls.”
The letter is below and here.
November 30, 2016
Arizona State Parks and Trails
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park
Yarnell, AZ
Dear Friends,
In a proud but solemn moment for all Arizonans, today we celebrate the dedication of the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park.
The 2013 Yarnell Hill Fire was a tragedy that resulted in the lives of 19 brave and fearless Granite Mountain Hotshots. That fateful day on June 30, 2013 was the greatest loss of life for firefighters in a wildfire since 1933 and the greatest loss of firefighters in the United States since the September 11th attacks. This Memorial State Park is a most fitting tribute to these remarkable firefighters who selflessly risked their own lives to protect others and their community in the beautiful Arizona town of Yarnell.
I thank Arizona State Parks and the Yarnell Hill Memorial Site Board, who made this designation possible. With this wonderful memorial, I hope the family and friends of those Hotshots who passed may find peace and comfort in this historic designation, which will forever preserve and honor the memory of these brave souls.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all on this occasion, and I send best wishes for a memorable event.
Sincerely,
John McCain
United State Senator
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