American Legion Post 62 honored Sun City resident Chuck Carter for his service and dedication to a controversial memorial on Saturday.

Carter's memorial, which features five white crosses representing each branch of the military as well as an American flag and other patriotic memorabilia, has been a hot topic recently.

Carter said he constructed the memorial on his property near Del Webb Boulevard and White Mountain Road for victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks as well as veterans who have given their lives for the United States. 

In April, the Sun City Homeowners Association suggested that Carter remove the memorial due to several resident complaints. Carter complied with the request.

He re-erected the memorial about a week later, however, after other residents rallied in support of his right to display the memorial.

Carter, himself a veteran, elected not to join the 60 to 70 people who gathered near his memorial to pay tribute to veterans and the freedom of speech.

Rich Young, chaplain of Post 62, read several messages at the service including a personal message to Carter."It has been my good fortune to have seen many memorials throughout this country ... on Veteran's Day and Memorial Day," he said. "But this memorial that Chuck Carter built for our fallen men and women tops the list. It's right here for all veterans to see and believe me, Sun City and the surrounding towns are lucky to have it.

"I would like to thank Chuck Carter for his tenacity," he said.

Young said he was inspired by Carter's tribute.

"I drive by it once a week or so and it just means a lot to us," he said.

Bill Schneider, American Legion chaplain for the Department of Arizona, said his group chose the location specifically as a tribute to Carter.

"He originally put it up, they made him take it down and he put it back up," he said. "We felt that it should be recognized. This is a specific (ceremony) for him because he did this."

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Posse placed a temporary blockade on Del Webb for the 20 minute tribute, which concluded with a moving rendition of taps and a marching procession by members of Post 62.