Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Vietnam vets replace flags

Regulations from county no longer allow the men to volunteer

Evelyn Cronce El Defensor Chieftain Reporter

Calling themselves the "Dinky Dau Vet Center," Vietnam veterans Maurice Andrew and Leonard Clapes replaced the flags at Isidro Baca Park.

Clapes explained that the "Dinky Dau Vet Center" is what the veterans call themselves any time two or more of them get together. He said they are just local veterans who care about the park.

The park was dedicated about 15 years ago to PFC Isidro Baca, a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, who was the first Socorro resident killed in the line of duty in Vietnam, and to all other Socorro residents who have served in the armed forces.

The men noticed the flags were faded and threadbare and decided to replace them. The replacements are somewhat small flags, 2-by-3 feet. Clapes said the smaller flags have been reinforced and will not wear out as fast.

"We just want to keep the issue of caring for this park alive," he said.

Clapes said three veterans put up the monument in the park and the veterans dedicated it. Originally, he said, the veterans used to volunteer to trim the trees and maintain the park, that is owned by Socorro County, on a regular basis.

That stopped recently, Clapes said, because county regulations and liability issues no longer allow the men to volunteer. The two men said they just took it upon themselves to replace the flags because the others were in such poor condition.

Clapes said the men had to use the ladders because there are no ropes to raise and lower the flags due to vandalism issues. He said there is a light to illuminate the flags all night, which is required of flags that are not taken down at night.

ecronce@dchieftain.com

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