Honoring the fallen

Multiple ceremonies took place in Clovis and Portales on Memorial Day to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

"This isn't simply a day off, this is a day to remember," Col. Harry Seibert Jr., commander of the 27th Special Operations Maintenance Group at Cannon Air Force Base, said in his speech at Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens.

The ceremony in Clovis was sponsored by Elks Lodge 1244, and featured other guest speakers, a color guard from Cannon, and a playing of Taps from Clovis Police Capt. Roman Romero.

Groups from the American Legion, the Legion Riders, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Knights of Columbus, and the Elks flew their banners during the ceremony.

"We honor these brave Americans that died to defend our freedom, our values, and way of life," Clovis Mayor Mike Morris said.

Representatives for U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan and U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez also spoke during the ceremony.

War dogs were honored as U.S. Army Disabled Specialist McKenna Nelson spoke of how dogs also give the ultimate sacrifice. She was accompanied by her own service dog, Lyla.

"Many of them didn't ask to leave their homes," Seibert said. "They were called to be something bigger than themselves."

Over 1,200 flags were placed in Lawn Haven, representing over 1,200 service members that have passed.

"Nothing can ever replace the hole left behind by an honored service member," Seibert closed with in his speech.

The Elks then hosted a meal free of charge to active military members, veterans and their families.

In Portales, the News' columnist Betty Williamson told the story of Private First Class Vernon Long, who died in 1942 while a prisoner of war in the Philippines, and the long journey involved to return his body home to Portales for burial scheduled June 8.

Randy Dunson, commander of Portales' American Legion Post 31, organized the ceremony that was held at the Joe Blair Pavilion.

A video of the Portales ceremony can be viewed at the Wheeler Mortuary website.