Hundreds of New Mexicans gathered at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial on Monday morning to remember the sons and daughters lost in service of the country.
Albuquerque’s Office of Military and Veterans Affairs and Parks and Recreation Department joined the United Veterans Council of Greater Albuquerque, the New Mexico Memorial Foundation, and the Rio Metro Regional Transit District to host a parade along Gibson Boulevard, a performance of patriotic pieces by the Dukes of Albuquerque Concert Band and a Memorial Day ceremony attended by hundreds.
“We gathered today on Memorial Day — as you all know — not to celebrate, but to solemnly reflect, and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in their service to our nation,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “We all (are) so incredibly fortunate to be here today. We mourn the countless others who cannot — the brave men and women who lay down their lives to defend our very freedoms.”
Other speakers included U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, 377th Air Base Commander Col. Michael Power, Gold Star mother Shirley Tetreault, city Chief Administrative Officer Samantha Sengel and Brig. Gen. Matthew Henry, assistant adjutant general of the New Mexico Air National Guard.
Parade spectator Kim Bruner brought her 7-year-old grandson, Andrew Gammon, to the events. She said she wanted it to be a learning experience for Andrew, who has many relatives who served and are serving in the military.
“Last year, I had to go to work,” Bruner said. “This time, I happened to know about it, and made him get up and come join me.”
Clockwise from the top left: (1) Marine Corps Junior ROTC cadets from Cibola High School present the colors for the Memorial Day ceremony at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial. (2) A veteran bows his head during a solemn moment of the Memorial Day ceremony at New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park. (3) Junior ROTC cadets from Albuquerque Public Schools bring out the 50 state flags for presentation during the Memorial Day ceremony at New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park. (4) Visitors salute the flag during the Memorial Day ceremony at New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park. (5) Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham speaks at the Memorial Day ceremony at New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park. (Roberto E. Rosales / City Desk ABQ)