Last call to submit Veterans photographs

For the past few weeks, we’ve been advertising for folks to bring in photographs of veterans to be honored in our Nov. 7 publication prior to Veterans Day.

I you haven’t submitted your photograph or a relative’s photograph, it’s time to crackin’! If you’ve already submitted one in the past several years…no worries, we still have it on file.

Now I know for a fact, that our county has several hundred veterans and active service members. So if you’ve submitted a photograph, I thank you.

I’m not a procrastinator. I like to get things done … then move on to the next project.

But what I’ve learned in the newspaper business is that most folks tend to wait until the last minute to submit items for the newspaper. That’s OK, because after 46 years I’m pretty much used to the pressure.

I can usually manage to get a late submission in. However, don’t come to me the day the paper is printed and ask: “Is it too late to get a notice in the newspaper.” I’d be a rich woman if I had a dollar for every time that question is asked.

But let’s go back to the Veterans Section. Someone asked me the other day, “Why we continue to do this section?”

My answer is simple. I was raised in a family that believes in service to our country. My great-uncle served in World War I in the U.S. Army; my father was part of the Army Air Corps during World War II; my young brother retired from the Coast Guard as a Cmdr. In addition, my nephew currently is a Lt. in the U.S. Coast Guard at Coast Guard headquarters in Washington, D.C.

November is one of my favorite months of the year. And it’s not just about the turkey. From the beginning to the end, it’s a month for celebrating what makes our country great.

Veterans Day is observed annually on Nov. 11. This federal holiday recognizes the service of all U.S. military veterans.

I am also grateful to the active-duty servicemen and women as well as our veterans. They continue to ensure our freedoms, such as the right to choose our leaders on the local, state and national levels.

In my opinion, veterans, democracy, and the privilege to serve you, our readers, are among the excellent reasons to give thanks in November and throughout the year.

So … like I wrote before … get crackin’ if you haven’t submitted a veteran’s photo! Time is tickin’ away.

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October and November are keeping our staff busy with various projects.

Saturday is the open house at the Trinity Site. If you’re a local resident who has never visited the site… it’s worth the trip. Plus, you’ll be surprised at how many people make the trek to Socorro. Last time I was there, I met an individual from Louisiana whose grandfather worked there … he even found his picture in one of the many photographs displayed at the site. Gates open at 8 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. at the Stallion Site.

Plus, this weekend is 49ers weekend in Socorro, too. We welcome back the many alumni who are making the trek back to town to meet up with their fellow classmates.