Memorial Day remembrances in Valley

Photo assistance by Jack and Theresa Rudder Memorial Day ceremonies were held Monday at Alamosa Cemetery and the Spanish Cemetery.

ALAMOSA — Veterans honored those who have gone before in impressive ceremonies at the Alamosa Cemetery and the historic Spanish Cemetery Monday, May 31, as residents took to open-air locations to continue a tradition hampered a year before by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The traditional laying or flowers to honor those from each branch of the service, as well as those who rest beneath the seas, impressed a crowd of an estimated 100, who listened in reverence as American Legion Comm. Frank “Boogie’ Romero prayed for those who have gone before, as well as those present. American Legion Comm. Monte Collins gave an impressive speech, reminding the audience that it is the veteran “we must thank for our freedoms” and he or she deserves all the honor.

Jack Rudder, Rio Grande County Veterans Service Officer, and representative of the Alamosa American Legion pointed out a new installation near the permanent Legion Monument.

A rifle stood upright, as if at attention and Rudder explained the “field cross” indicates a soldier had fallen — the boots walked in the sands of Iraq, the rifle was used in World War II, the bayonet in Korea and the dog tags were from Rudder’s father in WWII and Rudder in Vietnam.

Officers then moved to the nearby Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, where floral honors were placed, and Comm. Chris Martinez spoke of those who served on foreign soil.

A ceremony at the Spanish Cemetery west of Alamosa on the Co-Op Road were the same and then the veterans were served a meal at the American Legion.