GRANTS, N.M. – Cibola County paused at 11:11 a.m. on Veterans Day to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces, gathering along Route 66 and downtown Grants for ceremonies, fellowship, and reflection.
At Grants Veterans Memorial Park on Route 66, residents marked both Veterans Day and Armistice Day with a late-morning observance centered on remembrance and gratitude. Community members joined together around the memorial to recognize local veterans and those currently serving.
Following the park observance, a special veterans lunch was held at the Double Six Art Gallery, 1001 W. Santa Fe Ave. The event brought veterans, families, and community members together in an informal setting to share a meal and conversation. Floral arrangements for the lunch were designed and provided by members of the Grants FFA, who added a thoughtful touch to the tables in honor of those who served.
State Rep. Martha Garcia, who represents House District 6, attended the lunch and joined local residents in thanking veterans for their service and sacrifice.
This year’s observance also followed written Veterans Day messages shared with Cibola County. State Rep. Michelle Pauline Abeyta extended holiday greetings to local veterans, and in a letter published in last Wednesday’s Cibola Citizen, State Rep. Patty Lundstrom wrote, “God bless veterans,” while outlining recent legislative efforts to support veterans and their families. She urged New Mexicans to thank a veteran, and to consider volunteering with or donating to organizations that serve those who served.
In addition to local events, New Mexico State Parks is reminding veterans that they may qualify for a lifetime veterans pass. The program, created by House Bill 161 and implemented by the State Parks Division in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services (NMDVS), provides New Mexico resident veterans with free access to state parks, including unlimited day use and camping in areas managed by State Parks.
According to State Parks Director Toby Velasquez, more than 6,000 veterans have claimed their lifetime passes since the program took effect on July 1. While some parks have seasonal closures, 33 of the state’s 35 parks are open year-round, offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
Veterans who have not yet applied for the lifetime pass can contact NMDVS by email at vet.benefits@dvs.nm.gov or by calling 1-866-433-8387. For more information about New Mexico’s 35 state parks or to plan a visit, go to emnrd.nm.gov/spd or call 1888-NMPARKS (1-888667-2757). Camping reservations can be made up to six months in advance at reserveamerica. com.
Photos from Monday’s observances at Grants Veterans Memorial Park and the Double Six Art Gallery appear on Page A1. Additional Veterans Day coverage can be found on Pages B4 and B5.
Courtesy Photo