I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
Ceremonies to honor New Mexico’s long tradition of military service will be held throughout the state on Tuesday, Veterans Day. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I. It was signed on “the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.”
State Department of Veterans Services Secretary John Garcia says no World War I veterans are still alive in New Mexico. The state sent 17,241 soldiers to the war, which started in 1914, just two years after New Mexico became a state. One hundred and sixteen of them gave their lives.
“These veterans were the original veterans of the state of New Mexico,” Garcia said. “Though they may be gone, they’ve left behind generations of families which have not forgotten them. And neither have I. The whole world should be grateful for the sacrifice they made in World War I.”
Altogether, New Mexico has 180,000 veterans, including Bataan Death March survivors, Navajo code talkers and returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
Courtesy of the state’s Department of Veterans Services, here’s how you can commend their service Tuesday:
Statewide
KRQE-Channel 13 will air a telethon at 4 p.m. to raise money for the New Mexico Veterans Integration Center. The state-funded center, located in Albuquerque, helps approximately 7,000 homeless veterans.
Santa Fe
NMDVS Cabinet Secretary John M. Garcia will give the keynote address at the NMDVS Veterans Day ceremony at the Veterans Memorial park at 11 a.m. The park is located on West DeVargas and Galisteo streets on the west side of the Bataan Building.
Secretary Garcia will pay special tribute to New Mexico’s World War I contribution. Also on hand will be members of the 187th Helicopter Assault Unit who served in the Vietnam War. The group will be in town for a reunion.
Isleta Pueblo
NMDVS Deputy Secretary Lou Helwig will give the keynote address at the Isleta American Legion Post at 10 a.m. The facility is located on the Isleta reservation. From I-25 Southbound, exit 215. After passing the Isleta Casino/Hotel, go south about 2 miles. Just after you pass the stop light, stay in your left hand lane and turn left onto Tribal Road (TR) 10, right at the 47 Sales Car lot. Take TR 10 about 2 1/2 miles and it will bring you right to the park which will be located on the left hand side of the road.
Alamogordo
A 10 a.m. ceremony will be held at the VFW post 7686 (700 Highway 70 West)
Albuquerque
The city of Albuquerque’s ceremony will be at the Veterans Memorial at 1100 Louisiana Blvd. N.E. The ceremony starts at 10 a.m. U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson will deliver the keynote address.
Angel Fire
The Veterans Day ceremony starts at 11 a.m. at the Angel Fire Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial off Highway 64.
Aztec
The San Juan County Veterans Day Parade begins immediately after a special 7 a.m. veteran’s breakfast at the VFW Post on Main Street.
Clovis
A 2 p.m ceremony will be held at the special “Blue Star Mothers Highway Memorial Mile-Marker” near the Visitors Center off Eastbound Highway 337. A portion of the highway will be re-named the “Blue Star Mother’s Highway” in order of the Blue Star Mothers group — a service organization comprised of mothers who have sons or daughters serving or have served in the military.
Ft. Bayard
A 10:30 a.m. ceremony will be held at the Ft. Bayard National Cemetery (300 Camino de Paz).
Hobbs
A Veterans Day parade starts at 10 a.m. at the new city hall complex and will end at the VFW Hall on Alto St.
Las Cruces
The El Perro Diablo Marine Corps League Honor Guard will raise a special Garrison Flag at 8 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Park at 2651 Roadrunner Parkway. The unit will then lower the flag at 5 p.m. A bugler will perform “Taps” at each ceremony
Raton
250 flag-bearers are scheduled to march in the “Parade of Flags” which starts at 7 a.m. at the Colfax County Courthouse.
RioRancho
Rio Rancho will have an 11 a.m. ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park on Pinetree Road off Southern Blvd.
Truth or Consequences
A special ceremony starts at 10 a.m. at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial exhibit adjacent to the State Veterans Home at 992 South Broadway.
