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On Veterans Day, community members gathered at Isidro Baca Park to honor, recognize and express their gratitude to the veterans who have served our nation. The event included speeches of gratitude and personal stories shared by veterans and their families, creating an atmosphere of respect and reflection for those who have worn the uniform.
The event kicked off with the Civil Air Patrol’s presentation of colors, followed by Tori Murillo singing the national anthem and Daun Medaris of Forget Me Not offering an invocation.
“Since the Minute Men of Massachusetts first confronted the British Army in the spring of 1775, more than 41 million Americans have served in our armed forces,” Lt. Col. Dave Finley of the Civil Air Patrol said “Every one of them did so knowing that service put their life at risk, they took that risk because they wanted to preserve freedom, not just for themselves and their families, but for all Americans down through the generations.”
He thanked all the generations who have been willing to serve and sacrifice.
“We recognize this legacy, we honor those centuries of service, and we recognize and thank those veterans who are here with us today for their dedication to our country. We owe them a tremendous debt,” Finley said.
Finley led the recognition of veterans by the service. He asked those who served in the army, the navy, the marines, coast guard, air force and space force to stand up during their song.
Finley read a letter from Representative Gail Armstrong, who couldn’t be in attendance.
“Thank you for protecting this great nation and for making the patriotic and life-changing decision to defend the values of freedom and democracy that make America so special,” the letter said “ It is an honor and privilege to serve New Mexico veterans in the New Mexico State Legislature. We’ve made real progress in support of our state veterans in the past few years, progress that I am so proud to have helped carry across the finish line.”
Socorro Mayor Ravi Bhasker spoke next. “After the election, I think we really need to thank the veterans for the country that we got and what happened as a free and fair elections that we finally have a transfer of power that’s quiet and not agitated, and the veterans, I think, have to take credit for keeping this country free and be able to have the privilege of being able to do what we can in this country without having to worry about oppression,” Bhasker said.
He also spoke about the efforts of the Forget Me Not group, which “has made a real effort and actually made a dent in trying to help our homeless veterans and starting a small housing type of community for our veterans.”
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Bhasker said the City of Socorro and the council are committed to supporting their veterans and thank them for their service.
Tara Jaramillo, state representative, spoke about her grandfather, who was in the 100th airborne, and the lessons he taught her.
“What he taught me was sometimes you gotta leap out of that plane when you don’t know what’s going to happen because you believe in something,” Jaramillo said, “Sometimes you gotta fight for something, even though you’re the underdog. And I thank him for that too.”
Andrew Lotrich, Socorro County Manager, said he was honored to be back in Socorro. “But more importantly, it’s an honor to be welcomed here today. Your service, your duty, your commitment to everything that you have held before you have made us what we are here today,” Lotrich said.
He said in 1902, his grandfather passed through Ellis Island and became a citizen of the U.S. at 16 years old. He was drafted into the service and went to France in World War I.
“Since that day, our family, the Lotrichs, the Herreras, have been committed to what we hold dear,” Lotrich said “It’s because of you that we get to stand here today so as we remember everybody that’s been before us… thank you for your service; thank you for your duty.”
Van Romero, New Mexico Tech Vice President said Dr. Mahyar Amouzegar sent his regrets and asked him to deliver remarks on his behalf.
“As we gather to honor the brave men and women who have served this great nation, I’m reminded of the significance of our local history and the sacrifices that have been made right here in Socorro every time I park in the Brown Hall parking lot; I see a constant reminder of the sacrifices. On the East edge of that lot is a rose garden established by the School of Mines class of 1947. This garden stands as a solemn tribute to the students who gave their lives in World War II,” Romero said.
He said the tribute has 17 names etched into a plaque, each representing a hero and the last name on that plaque is Chuck Zimmerly’s uncle, Edward Zimmerly.
He said New Mexico Tech is proud to be part of the legacy and continue contributing to innovation and advancement in the country’s defense.
El Defensor Chieftain publisher Wanda Moeller recalled learning the importance of honoring veterans from her father and the contributions her family members have made.
“I think I better understood my father’s character as well as the community’s pride for its veterans. We learned to love this great country of ours … the good, the bad and the ugly.” Moeller said.
She challenged veterans to write down and share their stories with their families.
“I want to thank all the veterans here today and their families for defending the First Amendment of our Constitution that states Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion prohibiting its free exercise. It protects freedom of speech, the press, assembly, the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances. Without defending our country and our freedoms,” Moeller said, “El Defensor Chieftain would not be able to tell the stories of the veterans and residents of Socorro County”
She also recognized two veterans on the El Defensor Chieftain staff, John Larson and Russell Huffman.
Sergeant Major Stephen A. Sloane, of the U.S. Army spoke of the dedication, contribution and commitment that New Mexico has made to the country.
“It is the day to reflect on the bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of the millions of men and women who answered the call of duty. Where they all served whether in times of war or peace; they have played an essential role in upholding the freedoms which we cherish today,” Sloane said.
“Veterans are more than just the sum of their military service. They’re our neighbors, friends, parents, grandparents and community leaders. Their stories, experiences and sacrifices are woven into the fabric of our society, reminding us daily of the cost of freedom. New Mexico’s contributions the armed forces are profound and storied. From the Navajo Code Talkers of World War Two, the unbreakable code played a pivotal role in the Allied success to the brave men and women who served in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and beyond,” Sloane said.
He encouraged veterans to share their stories and spoke to their leadership, resiliency, and adaptability.
“Our nation benefits immeasurably from these attributes, and that’s why we must honor them every day, just not on Veterans Day,” Sloane said.
