Emilio Carranza

?TABERNACLE — No matter how far they travel, they all keep coming back to remember Emilio Carranza. The pioneering aviator from Mexico crashed in the Pine Barrens in 1928 while returning to his homeland just one month after completing the third-longest solo flight at the time — a goodwill journey from Mexico City to New York City. Members of the American Legion Mount Holly Post 11 attempted to mount a rescue that stormy July night, but only found Carranza’s body. Eighty-three years later, the post continues an annual tradition memorializing the man who is a national hero in his home country. It’s a way, they say, to continue fostering a spirit of goodwill between the United States and Mexico. While this ceremony did attract new mourners, many of those in attendance come back every year. Carranza’s legacy is inextricably linked to both the early days of aeronautics, and another early aviation hero, Charles Lindbergh. Lindbergh held those contemporary top two spots for nonstop solo flights for his trips from Paris to New York, and from New York to Mexico City. It was the latter journey that Carranza was reciprocating when he made his 18½ hour flight in June of 1928. When he was called back to Mexico a month later, friends urged the pilot not to fly in fierce thunderstorms that had engulfed the New York area. Not wanting to ignore a telegram from his government, Carranza did take off, but the storm forced him down in a remote area of the township, said Mexican Lt. Col. Jose Rocha during his remarks at the ceremony. Saturday’s event not only attracted residents of Burlington County and the surrounding area, but family members from Illinois and Texas, as well as dignitaries representing Mexico. Virginia Arias came to Tabernacle from New York City with her family this year like she has for more than a decade. Arias’s parents came to United States from Mexico in the 1920s, around the same time as Carranza’s ill-fated flight, and the ceremony, she says, helps keep her and her family “in-touch with Mexico.” Emilio Mazza moved to Tabernacle from Evesham about two years ago, and had heard about the tradition, but never had to chance to come to the ceremony until Saturday. Susan Gola often comes down to the township from Lawrence to walk and hike through trails in Wharton State Forest. She’s seen the stone memorial several times, and always wanted to witness the ceremony. “It’s something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime,” she said. “I’m walking out of here with great respect for (Carranza).” The ceremony included a flyover by aircraft from the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol, a 21-gun salute, and a complete reenactment of the recovery of Carranza’s body. The event also attracted the attention of U.S. Rep. Jon Runyan, R-3rd, who spoke during the ceremony. “There’s something to be said for what the American Legion did on that day,” he said. “No what matter your differences are, it shows we’re all playing for the same team.”