Veterans' Day celebrated at Fort Bayard National Cemetery, Nov. 11, 2016

Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy

The Gaffney-Oglesby Marine Corps League Detachment 1328 posted the colors at Fort Bayard National Cemetery on Veterans' Day, Nov. 11, 2016.

Lorraine Anglin sang the National Anthem and later at the end of the ceremony: God Bless America.

After the Pledge of Allegiance, American Legion Post 18 Chaplain Don Luhrsen gave the invocation and at the end of the event, the benediction.

John Sterle and Gil Choquette, American Legion members, explained and showed the symbolism of each item on the POW-MIA table.

Jim Dines played Amazing Grace on bagpipes.

American Legion member Leon Edwards read Gov. Susana Martinez's proclamation for Veterans' Day.

Kristen Sullivan read a letter from Sen. Martin Heinrich's Office, Melanie Goodman read a letter from Sen. Tom Udall's office and American Legion Commander Ray Davis, who served as master of ceremonies, read the letter from Congressman Steve Pearce.

Ben Collins of the Marine Corps League recognized the three Gold Star Mothers in Grant County. Mary Cowan was the only one able to be present.

Davis introduced dignitaries in the audience.

Joe Trujillo, director of the Fort Bayard National Cemetery, under Susan Parks, Santa Fe National Cemetery director, gave the welcome speech.

He announced that the process is underway for the state to turn over 20 additional acres to the cemetery to extend the life of its burial space. He also said the trees in Fort Bayard would be trimmed and manicured, and should be complete within the next two to three weeks.

Trujillo reported a great deal of damage from recent rains that should be repaired within the next week or so.

Ken Adair, New Mexico Department of Veterans Services director of field operations, gave the keynote speech in a booming voice without need of a microphone.

"Fort Bayard National Cemetery is the resting place of fellow veterans," Adair said. "Secretary Jack Fox and Governor Susana Martinez send their congratulations on the ceremony today."

Adair said veterans are a unique breed of men and women, devoted to their brothers and sisters in arms, "so we may remain free. Many are serving in remote areas of the world. We honor every soldier, sailor, airman, Marine, and coast guardsman. Each signed a blank check for their lives."

He then asked veterans in the audience to stand. "We must also mention our families who stayed back and kept the candles burning," Adair said and recognized them. "Veterans are drawn from the largest cities and the smallest urban and rural areas. New Mexico soldiers are of the highest caliber and have served more than any other state."

He said he has never met a veteran who regrets his or her service. "The responsibility to our veterans should not end with the last shot of a war. As a nation we made a promise to support and take care of each veteran. The Department of Veterans Services is here to make sure they are taken care of. We leave here to be guided by veterans' services and sacrifices."

The Hi Lo Silvers, led by Valdeen Wooton, performed The Armed Forces Medley. As each service's hymn was sung, those veterans of that service stood.

Davis invited Jude Casco of the Southwest New Mexico Quilters' Guild to come forward. Casco explained the Quilts of Valor, which is a national program. The guild decided to start it in Grant County. It has already presented 57 quilts to veterans and at this particular event, presented one to American Legion member and American Legion Rider Al Wranek. Roxanne Marsh had created the quilt, which was then quilted at Aunt Judy's Attic.

Casco said nationwide 148,145 quilts have been awarded since the program began. Names of awardees are nominated by families and fellow veterans. Casco said she could be reached through Aunt Judy's Attic for nominations. She said other members of the guild in attendance were Nancy Tittman, Terrie Summers, Carol Pickering, Bonnie Davis and Dona Topmiller.

Davis recognized all veterans who are still serving America through their participation in service organizations, including the American Legion Post 18, the American Legion Riders Chapter 13, the Marine Corps League Detachment 1328, the Disabled Veterans of America Chapter 1, and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Unit 18. He also recognized the Vietnam Veterans of America, members of which each year on Veterans' Day go into the schools to hold ceremonies there.

He announced the dedication of the Veterans Memorial Bridge that afternoon at 1:30, and Cowan said a table was set up to take orders for wreaths to be placed on Fort Bayard National Cemetery graves, with a ceremony to be held Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016 at 10 a.m.

The colors were retired and everyone was dismissed.