Veterans Day ceremony held at Fort Bayard National Cemetery 111115

Category: Front Page News Front Page News
Published: 14 November 2015 14 November 2015

Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy

Veterans Day at Fort Bayard National Cemetery 111115 Veterans Day at Fort Bayard National Cemetery 111115 Veterans Day at Fort Bayard National Cemetery 111115 Veterans Day at Fort Bayard National Cemetery 111115 Veterans Day at Fort Bayard National Cemetery 111115 Veterans Day at Fort Bayard National Cemetery 111115 Veterans Day at Fort Bayard National Cemetery 111115 Veterans Day at Fort Bayard National Cemetery 111115

Veterans Day at Fort Bayard National Cemetery 111115

The American Legion Allingham-Golding Post 18 of Silver City hosted the Veterans' Day ceremony at Fort Bayard National Cemetery on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015.

The American Legion Color Guard posted the colors and retired them at the end of the ceremony. Arlene Schadel sang the National Anthem, and the audience said the Pledge of Allegiance. James Knight Jr. of the American Legion gave the invocation.

Jim Dines played "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipe.

Joe Trujillo, the new officer of the National Cemetery Administration, gave the welcome and said he oversees Fort Bayard National Cemetery out of the Santa Fe office. After a reorganization of the agency, Fort Bayard cemetery was removed from the El Paso Fort Bliss National Cemetery and put under the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

"Construction will begin again in the spring to finish up the buildings left by the former contractor," Trujillo said. "I'm here at Fort Bayard on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m."

Master of Ceremonies Ray Davis of the American Legion introduced Marine Corps League member Frank Donohue who presented flowers to the Gold Star Mother, who was present, Mary Cowan.

John Sterle of the American Legion read the proclamation from Gov. Susana Martinez. He thanked everyone for coming out for the ceremony, especially the veterans and staff from Fort Bayard Medical Center. Martinez in her proclamation said: "Freedoms do not come without a price. They are assured by our veterans." She encouraged all New Mexicans to thank all veterans of the past and those now serving, as she proclaimed Nov. 11, 2015 as Veterans' Day.

Davis read a letter from Congressman Steve Pearce, in which he said: "Our service heritage in New Mexico is profound - through the decades, our soldiers have so selflessly answered the call around the world. From Bataan to Operation Inherent Resolve, New Mexicans have served. They fought so we have the ability to live freely, and practice and hold dear the rights of our Constitution that are the envy of the world."

He said, when he came home from serving in Vietnam, it was not like the homecoming for veterans during the past decade. "Our military families are the strength of our armed force, keeping the country together as their family members serve."

Melanie Goodman of Sen. Tom Udall's office read a letter from the senator. "I thank the veterans and their families for coming today. We have a proud tradition of military service in our state. We are reminded that veterans go where few dare to tread. We should always strive to be worthy of our veterans' service."

Davis recognized the World War II veterans, as well as those who served in Korea and Vietnam.

State Rep. John Zimmerman was the keynote speaker. He is a Navy veteran of 42 years, with 18 enlisted and 24 years as a communications officer. He retired in 2003 as a Navy commander. During his time in the reserves, he was called to service three times.

Zimmerman walked to the podium and swung around to wave his arms in a wide sweep and said: "Isn't this beautiful here? The stars and stripes bring me to tears."

"We are forever indebted to those who gave their lives that we might be free," Zimmerman said. "I was humbled and honored to receive this invitation."

He gave history of Veterans' Day. It was first celebrated as Armistice Day after World War I by President Woodrow Wilson. In the 1950s, President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed it to Veterans' Day to celebrate veterans of all wars. As Eisenhower said in the order for the celebration: "All veterans and service organizations should join hands to celebrate this day in honor of our veterans."

Zimmerman asked all the veterans to stand and asked for a round of applause. He then asked family members of those who serve or have served to stand. Another round of applause was given.

"All veterans possess the same duty, pride, and dedication to service," Zimmerman said. "They all serve a cause larger than self. Some things may have changed, but not the duty and pride of those who ensure our way of life is protected. It's never a small feat, and they continue to answer the call. We continue to be indebted to them and their service. They perform acts of bravery and courage most of us will never understand. The sacrifice of veterans never ends. Their sacrifice for our freedom is great. Freedom is not free."

The Hi Lo Silvers, led by Valdeen Wooton, saluted the military services with their singing of the "Armed Forces Medley."

Schadel led "God Bless America," Don Luhrsen gave the benediction, and Trujillo closed the ceremony.

"I want to thank my fellow veterans who stepped up to the plate for our freedom," Trujillo said.

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