Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
A dozen residents and members of the VFW 2528 gathered to honor veterans Monday at Tucumcari Memorial Park cemetery.
QCS photo: Thomas Garcia
Members of the VFW 2528 and residents of Tucumcari gathered at the Tucumcari Memorial Park cemetery Monday for their annual Veteran's Day ceremony.
Ron Wilmont, representative of U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, read a letter from the congressman about the importance of honoring veterans.
"As we pay tribute to all that our veterans have done for a country that owes them a debt of gratitude, let us remember that while honoring them in words, we must do so in deeds as well," Lujan said. "Telling their stories of sacrifice and valor will ensure that their enduring contributions will live on."
Lujan went on to say the true measure of how we honor our troops will be determined by how we treat the brave soldiers who have returned home and how we live up to our responsibility to provide them the health care, educational opportunities, and ability to find a job that they deserve as our nation's true heroes.
"The president of the United States of America honored veterans this weekend, and I have to agree with him when he said, 'no ceremony or parade, no hug or handshake is enough to truly honor that service,'" said Robert Lumpkin, city commissioner.
Lumpkin said while there may be no ceremony or hug that may fully honor a veteran, he knows any effort to honor or help veterans is greatly appreciated. He said showing others that we do care and are here to support veterans makes a world of difference.
Lumpkin said care packages sent from home to those serving overseas could help much. He said the smallest gesture, be it cookies, pictures colored by elementary students, or phone cards and letters from loved ones, can make such a difference.
Lumpkin said showing that we care is the type of support our veterans and current troops need. He said we must do our best to let them know that they matter and we do remember all that they have done.
"Let us remember the men and women who are currently serving in harm's way and in locations across the globe," Lujan said "We keep them in our thoughts and prayers and hope for their safe return home soon."