GALLUP’S STATE VETERANS CEMETERY Dedication Ceremonies
By Sandra Mckinney
By Sandra McKinney
“Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die.” ~ G.K. Chesterton
Gallup Fire Department hoisted the flags on the ladder truck.
The cemetery flags flying at attention.
It was quite the blustery day for the dedication ceremonies for the Gallup State Veterans Cemetery. The one positive thing about the wind, is that it kept the flags flying at attention throughout the ceremonies. The heavy, sustained winds did not deter the many patriots from attending the dedication. Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2019, was a very historic day for Gallup, New Mexico, and our veterans. We had numerous city, state, and national dignitaries present to speak about the importance of establishing this Veterans Cemetery in Gallup. When Governor Martinez was in office, she understood the great
Mayor McKinney addressing the gathered patriots. 26
July 2019
The many dignitaries on the podium.
need for more veterans’ cemeteries and put the wheels in motion for four new cemeteries to be placed in New Mexico: Ft. Stanton, Gallup, Angel Fire, and Carlsbad. “In a state as large and rural as New Mexico, it is our responsibility to ensure that these resting places are as close to home as possible, so that our veterans and their families do not have to travel hours upon hours to lay their loved ones to rest or to visit their burial sites,” Martinez said. According to the Department of
Veterans Affairs, New Mexico is home to about 170,700 veterans, including more than 21,000 women veterans. George D. Eisenbach, Jr., Director of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, traveled from Washington, D.C. to be with us for the momentous day. He stressed the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by our military members, and the importance of providing a proper final resting place for our heroes. This is the first of four phases for the Cemetery.
George Eisenbach, Jr., director of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs speaking to the gathered patriots.
