After captivating the world with his aerial exploits, flying from Mexico City to Ciudad Juarez, and later a non-stop flight from San Diego to Mexico City, the longest flight attempted by a Mexican pilot, Captain Emilio Carranza attempted a goodwill solo flight that would have taken him from Mexico City to Washington, D.C. After several delays, on July 12, 1928, Carranza took off in a customized plane called the Excelsior, but while flying over the Wharton State Forest, lightning struck his plane and the sky king crashed his plane and was killed.

After a young boy picking blueberries discovered the crashed plane, American Legion Post 11 pulled together to help in the recovery. Members of the American Legion Post were also instrumental in creating the memorial to this international icon.

If you are on the Batona Trail, you’ll see the 12 foot tall monument right near the headwaters of Tulpehocken Creek.  The monument was built from stones that came from a quarry near Mexico City and although time and weather have worn away some of the monument’s crispness, you can still see an Aztec falling eagle on one side of the pylon. It is inscribed with "Messenger of Peace The people of Mexico hope that your high ideal will be realized. Homage of the children of Mexico to the aviator Captain Emilio Carranza who died tragically on July 13, 1928 on his good will flight."  You’ll also find Spanish text that says "Captain Aviator Emilio Carranza, tragically killed July 13, 1928. "

Each year the members of American Legion Post 11 honor the promise of their predecessors to honor the memory of Carranza, who had been a symbol of international unity with a memorial service.