Portales residents honor sacrifices

Staff writer

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Sandra Newsom knows the importance of honoring Memorial Day. All four of her sons have served in the military and she has lost family members in past wars.

link Lillian Bowe: Staff photo

Lt. Col. Travis Norton, commander of the 3rd Special Operations Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, speaks Monday at the annual Memorial Day service in Portales. This was Norton’s second time speaking at the program.

Newsom came with her two grandchildren, who traveled from Tennessee, to the 68th Annual Memorial Day program Monday at the Portales Cemetery.

“My grandkids have never been to a Memorial service and I think they need to, so they will know why it is important,” Newsom said.

Newsom said this was her first time for the Portales service and she plans to attend again next year.

The service finished before rain showers arrived in Portales with the more than 50 people who attended enjoying sunshine.

“We are blessed to have good weather right now and it is such a beautiful day,” said Joe Blair, American Legion Post 31 commander.

The service started with the posting of the colors by American Legion members, Vivian Cato, Harrie Black and David Myers.

When the flag was raised, Dennis Darrow led the Pledge of Allegiance. Then, Don Criss sang the Star-Spangled Banner encouraging everyone to sing along.

The crowd enthusiastically joined the singing, many with passion for the nation’s anthem.

After the invocation, Criss explained the significance of the poem, “In Flanders Field.”

“The poppies in the poem represent sacrifice. In England they have Remembrance Day which is our Veteran’s Day. They wear poppies to remember the sacrifice,” Criss said.

Lt. Col. Travis Norton, commander of the 3rd Special Operations Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, spoke for the second year at the service.

link Lillian Bowe: Staff photo

American Legion Post 31 members, from left to right, Harrie Black, Vivian Cato and David Myers raise the flag Monday for the annual Memorial Day service. The flag has only 48 stars and it belonged to Margurito Frausto, who was killed during World War II.

“I am glad you allowed me to speak again and I feel honor to be here,” Norton said.

Norton discussed how the importance of the day sometimes gets lost in retail sales or going out to picnic or barbecue instead of remembering the men and women who have died in service to their country.

“I am grateful to see many families here with children. It is important to let the younger generation know the sacrifice people made for our country,” Norton said.

“Thank those communities who raise those people. They taught those men and women how to love their country,” Norton said.

Norton said the men and women serving in Cannon have a unique experience as the Clovis and Portales area welcome them into the community and they love their country.

“There no where finer a place to be at,” Norton said.

Blair’s daughter, Judy Hall, honored the Gold Star Mothers — mothers who have lost a child in war.

“Membership is not a coveted award. It starts with a telegram. ‘We regret to inform you.’ They have broken hearts that can never be healed,” Hall said.

Hall honored one of the Gold Star Mothers, Lila Bryant, who lost a son in Vietnam.

A wreath was laid and Cato played “Taps” to end the ceremony.

“It was a really great program and it was beautifully done,” Newsom said.