SAGUACHE—Tom Blunt looked over the loyal crowd and said, “We are assembled here to pay tribute to the men [and women] of our community who served in defense of this country and for preservation of our way of life.”
Recruits and officers in another life stood straight at attention as Company K Horse Soldiers from Fort Garland and the Flag Guard positioned behind the Hillside Veterans Memorial and Roll Call monument.
Last Sunday was a peaceful day across from the rocky hill. The wind seemed tethered and anchored somewhere far away until the right moment when the breeze caught the draping flags and flung them into attention in the veteran hands.
As commander of the American Legion and a 23-year veteran of the Army, Blunt spoke about the symbolism in the American Flag that now waved behind him and over the heads of the audience.
“The white stripes symbolize purity of purpose in our freedom of thought, expression and worship.”
He noted that the red represents “courage” and the armed forces personnel “willingness to die, if necessary.”
Referring to the clear blue background, Blunt said that our “desire for peace, prosperity and happiness” are reflected there.
The Ladies Guild from Fort Garland was dressed in antebellum finery including bonnets and lace. The memorial soldiers dressed in their Union Blues gave pause for the Civil War when the nation fought brother against brother.
Rita Freel spoke to the 75 in attendance including veterans, families and friends. In unannounced unison, children made few noises, whispering amongst the visitors ceased; even the horses stood silent without one nickering sound. Freel spoke about the efforts that came together to make the Valley memorials possible.
Along with Freel, two others read the roll call of names buried in the Hillside Cemetery. The 119 names that were read reflected service in the Mexican-American War, Civil War, Indian Wars, the World Wars, Korean War, Persian Gulf War, and the Iraq War.
The chaplain’s prayer asked for “blessings and guidance for all these men and those currently serving.” The prayer also read: “Help them bring brotherly love to all lands.”
Violet Freel and Betty Thorp from Hooper came in support of Rita Freel’s speech but also in memory of their husbands who had served the country. Violet Freel said her husband had been a POW; Betty Thorp said her husband served in the Navy.
Dan Wallich, retired Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force, said the memorial was a “long time in the works” and that as a veteran of the Korean War he was glad to see the memorial recognizing those who served the United States.
Commander Blunt read a letter from United States Representative John Salazar who could not attend because of duties in Washington, D.C. Salazar commended the memorial effort that now recognizes those in the Valley who have served their country.
The ceremony at Hillside Cemetery came to an end with three volleys from the Firing Squad and the piercing brass melody from the lone bugler.
