granite 19 hotshots memorial

We were staying in Prescott, and decided to do a day tour to Wickenburg. Before moving to Arizona, we lived in California for 43 years, and, thus, we know California very well, but are not all that familiar with Arizona. From newspaper accounts of last year, we assumed that Yarnell was to the north of Prescott.So, we were driving on Hwy 89, and saw that we were approaching Yarnell. As soon as we reached the town identification sign "Yarnell" we knew we needed to pass through respectfully. No radio and no laughter. We had expected that it would be much smaller than what we saw. There are antique shops and restaurants. A proper commercial area. Catching a glimpse of the Memorial, we decided we would stop on our way back.Unfortunately, that Tuesday (8/26) it began raining quite heavily, and it was not advisable for us to stop on the return to Prescott. Even without visiting the Memorial, it is very moving to pass through this town, and one has the feeling that there is a need to observe 19 moments of silence.

The tiny roadside park commemorates and immortalizes the 19 mostly very young firemen, hotshots, who tragically lost their lives in the Yarnell fire on 6/30/2014. Large boards show their portraits. Very worth a brief stop.

These young men have their lives to protect their community ...a must!!.....The memorial is set against the beautiful desert landscape of Yarnell Hill...if you have never been up the switchbacks..it is breathtaking and worthy of such a memorial site.

The Granite Mountain Hotshots, 19 of them gave their lives fighting a wildfire in Yarnell, Arizona on June 30, 2013. The site it self is difficult to actually get to because although on public land it is surrounded by private land. The Ranch House Restaurant which I recommend to have a great meal, is just south of where this memorial has been placed. It is on Hwy. 89 and it is a burned area where photo boards and mementos, have been placed to remember these 19 that gave their last measure to fight this fire. The boards have mementos, coins, shirts, teddy bears, pins, photos and personal items for each of the 19.There are binoculars there where you have a good vantage point to view the Flag pole across the hwy in the canyon. I hope others will contribute photos to this site.Please support the local businesses as they try to re-build and heal after this tragedy.