Community members gather for prayer event; Recognizing those who served
GRANTS, N.M. - National Vietnam War Veterans Day was Monday, March 29. Community members gathered at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park in Grants to honor and recite prayers for those who served in the Vietnam War, along with all other veterans.
The 6 p.m. event had an impressive turnout including elected officials that included Grants Mayor Martin “Modey” Hicks and State Representative Harry Garcia. The ceremony began with a moment of silence to honor those who have served in the U.S. military.
Many community members then took the mic to share stories, remembrances, and state their appreciation for veterans. George Garcia, Veterans Service Officer for the newly opened Veterans Service Office in Grants, gave a brief speech about one of his recent clients who came in simply wondering if they could collect their service medals. After taking care of the request, Garcia welcomed the client home.
The client responded, “That’s the first time anybody’s ever told me that.”
Garcia concluded his comments by offering a warm “welcome home” to all the veterans in attendance.
Mayor Hicks thanked State Representative Garcia, a Vietnam War veteran, and introduced him to the audience.
“First of all, I would like to thank everybody that’s here. You probably all know me, my name is Harry Garcia. I’m a New Mexico Senior Representative for District 69. I’m also the chair of the Veterans Committee in Santa Fe, and I’m looking forward to helping all you veterans out here. You know, we’ve been forgotten for a long time.... There’s a lot of veterans that need help.... Whatever we can do to help this community, that’s what we’re here for,” said Garcia who encouraged veterans to actively pursue assistance with receiving the benefits for which they are eligible.
Mayor Hicks shared his thoughts and said, “Everyday in the morning when I get up and say my prayers, I say thank God for the United States Marine Corp, because it changed my life and it changed it for the better and it made me who I am today, along with this community and all of the veterans here that supported me when I came home.... And Aaron, I’m your next member for forty bucks, baby.”
The mayor was referring to Aaron Deana who had urged any veterans in attendance to join the local American Legion.
Event organizer Ray Clemons, Cibola County resident for 22 years, said that what inspired him was a comment by a member of his church who is a Vietnam veteran. The person had informed Clemons that Monday was Vietnam War Veterans Day, and no events were planned because of public health restrictions.
“I just felt like we could do this,” said Clemons. “Last minute, nothing official... I just felt we needed to do something. And to see this turnout and this many different people from the community, it is good.”
Area residents then stuck around to drink bottled water provided by The Way, The Truth, and The Life Church and to enjoy visiting with one another.