Memorial Day commemorated at Fort Bayard National Cemetery 2015

Article and photos by Mary Alice Murphy

Under a sunny sky, veterans and those who remember and honor those veterans who have died so that citizens of the United States may continue to celebrate their freedoms attended a commemoration at Fort Bayard National Cemetery on Monday morning.

Hosted by the Allingham-Golding American Legion New Mexico Post 18, the event began with a welcome presented by LuÃs BarraterÃ¡n, who, working in El Paso at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery, oversees burials at Fort Bayard. "May you enjoy the freedoms claimed for us by those buried here. ... I dedicate today to those who fell in battle so their sacrifice means freedom, security and strength for us."

Gil Choquette of American Legion Post 18 served as the master of ceremonies.

The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 358 Color Guard presented the colors. Loraine Anglin led the audience in the singing of The Star-Spangled Banner and 10-year-old Annabelle Jamison led The Pledge of Allegiance. Her father, DAV Commander Bryant Jamison, was scheduled to lead the pledge. "It brought me to tears, when my daughter asked me if she could lead the pledge, so I give you Annabelle."

James Dines, American Legion Post 18 member, played "Amazing Grace" on bagpipes and gave the invocation.

Choquette and Doug Shoaf led the POW/MIA Remembrance Service, with Choquette reading the meaning of each item on the small table, and Shoaf, pointing them out.

The Hi Lo Silvers sang the Armed Forces Medley, and the Concert Band of the Southwest played patriotic music periodically throughout the ceremony, including the Battle Hymn of the Republic toward the end and a solo trumpet rendition of Taps at the end.

The ceremony included wreaths being laid in honor of branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans' service organizations and by various other groups with membership in the region.

Andrew Welch, administrator of the Albuquerque Veterans' Administration Medical Center, was the keynote speaker. He said the Day of Remembrance has been held in areas of the nation ever since the Civil War. "But the first blood spilled in defense of what was to become our country occurred at Lexington Green in New England. Now, 240 years later, the heritage of sacrifice continues. We see our history in the more than one million who have given their lives."

He said the impact has hit New Mexico especially hard because of those lost in the Bataan Death March, in the jungles during Vietnam and in the Gulf War and in Afghanistan.

"They serve not to seek personal gain, but because their country called and they answered," Welch continued. "We must remember to thank every generation that has served. Freedom was not only won in combat. The best way to pay tribute to the dead is to honor those living. It is a task requiring love and wisdom. God bless our nation, the fallen and those who gather to honor them."

Choquette presented Welch with a certification of appreciation for serving as the keynote speaker.

Frank Donohue of the Gaffney-Oglesby Marine Corps League Detachment 1328 introduced the Gold Star Mothers, who have lost children in service to country. Maria Louisa Grijalva and Mary Cowan were in attendance. Kay Beeman, another Gold Star Mother, was not present.

Tip Cowan, American Legion, recognized the dignitaries in the audience.

Regional Veterans' Service Officer Bradley Brock read the proclamation from New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez.

Veterans of Foreign Wars local post commander Jim Zawacki read a letter from Congressman Stevan Pearce, who is an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War. Pearce said in the letter that the ceremony was held in tribute and great gratitude to those who gave their all. "We continue to be a beacon of freedom to the world. May we not forget their great sacrifice."

American Legion member Joe Marin read "In Flanders Field."

World War II veteran and American Legion member Leonard Pritikin read the 73 names of veterans who have been buried at Fort Bayard National Cemetery since last year's Memorial Day.

The American Legion Honor Guard presented a rifle salute.

James Knight Jr. of the American Legion gave the benediction.