By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
A large crowd, despite the cold weather, was in attendance at the dedication of Veterans Park Tuesday morning, a memorial for the veterans of Raton.
The park was the dream of Abel Jiron who took it to Jared Chatterly, Raton Parks and Recreation, “who jumped in with both feet.” Commissioner Ron Chavez told the crowd. Chavez went on to say thanks to so many people and organizations in Raton that helped with the project. He noted by name the individuals in the Raton Public Works and RPS who made this park what it is. He said he had put out a challenge to raise money for the flags and was proud to say that Raton came together and they raised enough money to have flags flying over the park 24/7 for the next 10 years.
His final comment was one that struck many as he told the crowd “The flag does not fly because the wind blows it, The flag flies because each soldier’s last breath blows by it.”
Colonel Gilbert San Roman was the guest speaker for the dedication ceremony. He told the crowd what a veteran is, and where they come from. He added that each person has written a blank check to the country they defend because one day they may have to pay that ultimate price with their life. He spoke of the places they fought and the enemy they faced.
He spoke of the flag that flies over our country and brought it home by explaining how inspiring it is to see the flags fly at the visitors center, on the the yard of the county building, to city hall. He noted that each of those flags was a flag that draped the coffin of a soldier. He also said we need to honor the families of the veteran as they wait at home and hope that they do not get that knock at the door.
Colonel San Roman gave the order for the honor guard to render their salute, a 21 gun salute followed by the playing of “Taps” played by Edna Candelario, Captain US Navy Nurse Corps. The Young Marines retrieved the colors to end the ceremony.
The Following Veterans were honored to raise their service flags during the ceremony. New Mexico Flag, Joe Bustos; MIA POW Flag, Ron Armijo; Coast Guard Flag, Dan Quintana; Air Force Flag, Lita Bernal; Navy Flag, Johnny Bacca; Marine Corp Flag, Danny Griego; Army Flag, Ernie Trujillo.
- Veterans Park, Raton NM
Very good Raton, proud to be a veteran.
Having served almost 28 years in the USAF, including a year in Vietnam and a year in Thailand during the Vietnam war, I found Raton did an honorable job in this special presentation. My father, who will be 99 December 28, couldn’t attend due to ongoing back and leg problems. But I salute Raton for trying to instill a sense of pride in Raton citizens that have served. Some came back, some didn’t. Of those that returned, some suffered deep emotional wounds that haunt them today. Others carry the pain of physical wounds that just can’t be cured, But any civic ceremony honoring our brave men and women from past and present wars is certainly appreciated from this old GI. I’d have loved to returned to Raton from San Antonio, TX to attend this ceremony, however, serious back problems currently prevent me from traveling long distances. I hope to go there in Summer of 2015. Thank all of you for your participation.
JOB Well Done Raton to honor its veterans and to all who help!!!!! My hat is off Ron Chavez. From a Life Member of VFW Post 1793 from Sun City, Ca.
What a pleasure it was to see Raton honor our veterans, who gave their time to keep America safe. Thank God to all who made it back and many more thanks to those who gave their lives. Hats off to all of them.!!!!! Also, I admire the fact that patriotism is still alive and well at Raton Middle school.
This makes so proud of my home town. Thank you to all who served and to all who participated the construction and presentation. My dad, Bob Stoller, would be so proud.
Very beautiful thoughtful memorial by a small town honoring their veterans! Thank you Abel Jiron for sharing such a wonderful dream. We are blessed for those who came home, sad for those who didn’t and pray for those who still serve. Thank you to all who worked hard on this project and sharing!
A job well worth doing. Thank you so much!
Many thanks to the organizers and to the people of Raton for uniting in this cause that is so just!! God Bless our Veterans and God Bless these United States of America!! <3
Well done Raton! What a beautiful tribute to Veterans.
What a great occasion for Raton to honor its veterans so thoughtfully. Kudos to Ron Chavez a real American Hero.