Veterans' Day 2014 at Fort Bayard National Cemetery

Photos and Article by Mary Alice Murphy

By Mary Alice Murphy

The Veterans' Day ceremony presented by the Allingham-Golding American Legion Post 18 took place at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014 at Fort Bayard National Cemetery.

Ray Davis, commander of Post 18, served as the master of ceremonies.

The call to colors was played by bugler Richard "Cos" Erwin, and the colors were posted by a combined group of members from veterans' service organizations. Loraine Anglin sang the National Anthem.

American Legion Auxiliary member Oralia Rede led the Pledge of Allegiance. The benediction was presented by Marine Corps League Detachment 1328 Chaplain Robert Lopez.

The POW-MIA table presentation was given by John Sterle and Tom Raines of the American Legion. Jim Zawacki, VFW commander read the proclamation from New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez and a note of thanks to veterans from U.S. Congressman Steve Pearce. "Never forget the debt of gratitude we owe to those who gave their all to protect our country," Pearce wrote.

Ame Callahan, supervisor of Fort Bliss and Fort Bayard national cemeteries, told the crowd that she, as an immigrant from Thailand, served 24 years in the U.S. Air Force. "Now I continue to serve veterans and their families. I am serving our 23 million veterans. Our veterans understand the meaning of courage and service to country. We have 1.4 million on active duty to defend the rights of 380 million Americans. I extend my personal gratitude to each and every one of you for recognizing those who have served. I ask you to thank them today and every day throughout the year."

Marine Frank Donohue gave a rose to Gold Star Mother Mary Cowan, the only one who was present.

Davis asked if any Daughters of the American Revolution were present. One held up her hand. David said the D.A.R. members made up the first Ladies' Auxiliary.
NM Rep. Dianne Hamilton was the keynote speaker.

"I have always been a huge supporter of veterans and veterans' issues," Hamilton said. "I think we are getting ready to enter the era of veterans. Only 1 percent of the U.S. population is a veteran."

She said as she looked into the crowd of those participating in the ceremony, "I see patriots. It is sad to say that we have had wars since the beginning of time. I was seven years old when we heard on the radio that Japan had attacked Pearl Harbor. No one in my family was drafted. There weren't that many men in my family and my father was too young for World War I and too old for World War II. "

Hamilton described ration books and said they saved grease and gave it to the store to redeem for meat. "At school, the nuns had us pray twice a day for those serving our country. We were encouraged to buy war stamps. When the war ended, euphoria grabbed us all. I was in high school, when we were fighting in Korea. In 1956, I married a career Marine and learned the meaning of war."

"During the Vietnam War, it seemed the love of country no longer was paramount," Hamilton continued. "I thought it was sad. In my immediate family, we have four veterans. Thank goodness now we are doing better for our veterans. We must improve our medical treatment for veterans."

She said her No. 1 priority at the next legislative session is to pass the PTSD bill. "Those returning from war have always had these problems. First it was called medical sickness, then shell shock, but was not recognized as PTSD. My bill uses simulation technology to walk veterans through their traumatic experiences. We are partnering with Western (New Mexico University), which is training master social workers to provide this treatment. The equipment fits in the front seat of a car, so it is highly portable. Studies show an 80 percent cure rate. The program was first commissioned by the Navy."

"It is an exciting time in our country," Hamilton said. "We are seeing a surge in patriotism. Since 1973, there has been no draft. All those serving have volunteered."

A group of 4- and 5-year-old students from Central Elementary School then performed an active song: "Thank You, Our Heroes."

The Hi Lo Silvers women's singing group sang the Armed Forces Medley, incorporating all the songs of the branches of the Armed Forces.

After thanking all the organizations which took part in the ceremony, Davis said: "Thanks to the Central Elementary students. It was fantastic for them to be here."

Anglin sang "God Bless America," which everyone joined in singing. James Knight Jr., American Legion chaplain, presented the benediction and the colors were retired.