Veterans to be honored at Isidro Baca Park

Veterans will be recognized at the Isidro Baca Park in Socorro’s historic district on Nov.11 at 11 a.m. Baca, the park’s namesake, died on Aug. 21, 1967 while serving with the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam; he was 19 years old.

Decorated veteran, Jerry D. Scoggins, retired Master Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps will be the keynote speaker. Scoggins said it’s an honor for him to come back to Socorro to speak for Veterans Day and about Isidro Baca. In 1967 he was part of the Marine Corps Honor Guard for Baca and remembers how the Bacas embraced him and treated him like their own.

“It’s an honor to go down there and be part of this, I never had a chance to say thank you to his family,” Scoggins said. “We were all so young then, it was a sad moment any time you have to do that for someone, but it was an absolute honor to send Isidro on his path to meet God.”

Dave Finley, organizer of the event, said he is pleased to have Scoggins as the keynote speaker because he has a direct connection to the park and community.

“I’m always impressed with the crowd and the attitude they have to show support to all of our veterans,” Finley said.

Veterans Day program starting at 11 a.m.

Presentation of Colors: Civil Air Patrol

National Anthem: Jeannette Otero

Invocation: Daun Medaris, Disabled American Veterans

Introduction to Recognition of Veterans:

Lt. Col. Dave Finley, Civil Air Patrol

Recognition of Veterans Present, By Service:

United States Army, established 14 June 1775

United States Navy, established 13 October 1775

United States Marine Corps, established 10 November 1775

United States Coast Guard, established 4 August 1790

United States Air Force, established 18 September 1947

United States Space Force, established 20 December 2019

Guest Speakers:

Mayor Ravi Bhasker, City of Socorro

Rep. Gail Armstrong, NM Legislature

Rep. Tara Jaramillo, NM Legislature

Commissioner Glen Duggins, Socorro County

MGySgt (Ret.) Jerry Scoggins, U.S. Marine Corps

Bagpipes: Johannes Heynekamp, Stephen Malone

Rifle Salute: DAV Honor Guard

Taps: George Murillo