Volunteers will place flags for Memorial Day
Dianne L. Stallings- About 1,800 graves will receive flags
Continuing their project of ensuring the graves of veterans at Fort Stanton are decorated on appropriate national holidays, the Spencer Theater ushers and other volunteers will be busy again May 24 preparing for Memorial Day.
Cecile Kinnan and the Spencer Theater ushers partnered with David Flores of the Department of Veterans Services to facilitate the placing of flags on the graves at the Fort Stanton Military Cemetery, according to Holly Braden.
Flags will be placed on each veteran’s grave at 9 a.m.., May 24. Dennis Metz will play taps before the placement of the flags.
Memorial Day falls on May 27.
Flags will be placed regardless of the weather, so check on conditions, Braden said. Individuals, families, and groups are all welcome.
As each flag is placed in the holder next to the grave, a thanks for the service of the veteran will be recited, she said. The cemetery was created in the 1800s after the fort was commissioned in 1855, and is the final resting place for more than 1,800 veterans.
The number of graves at the cemetery is increasing as the new section has been opened. Donations allowing the Spencer ushers to purchase more flags for the new graves and to replace those that are worn would be greatly appreciated, Braden said.
The Spencer Theater ushers and volunteers with the help of the Department of Veterans Affairs also place flags on the graves at the Fort Stanton Military Cemetery on Veterans Day, and place wreaths on the graves during the Christmas season.
The flags and wreaths must be purchased through donated funds. For information on how to donate to the cause contact Mike Schattner of the The Noon Day Lions.
"Join the Spencer ushers and your friends and neighbors in this worthwhile endeavor to honor our veterans," Braden said.
The cemetery near the Fort Stanton Historic Site is at 1398 New Mexico Highway 220, also known as Airport Road, turning from New Mexico Road 48 or through Capitan off U.S. 380. For more information, call 336-9157.
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Reporter Dianne Stallings can be contacted at dstallings@ruidosonews.com