Durango remembered those who had fallen for the country, veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice in armed conflicts and those who struggled and died after returning home with three separate ceremonies on Monday.
“Memorial Day is for all soldiers, men and women, anyone who served their country and died, not only in combat, but many die from combat after returning home,” said American Legion Post 28 Cmdr. Stacy Valencia after a Memorial Day ceremony at Greenmount Cemetery.
Valencia served three different stints in the Army, first along the Czechoslovakia-West German border during the Cold War and later in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Fred Riedinger, who served in the Coast Guard, played taps at a ceremony at noon – the laying a wreath in the Animas River at the bridge near Rotary Park to honor sailors who had lost their lives.
He said he hoped ceremonies like the wreath laying prompt younger people to study history and learn about the conflicts where soldiers and sailors have laid down their lives to protect their liberties.
“They used to teach world history in schools, but now they teach social studies,” Riedinger said. “Family members who serve never talk about their service. The reason we do things like this is for the youth. Hopefully, they will educate themselves about who they are and why they are here and the sacrifices that people have made for them.”
Brian McAleer, a member of the honor guard at ceremonies at the Veterans Memorial at Greenmount Cemetery and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Iris Park, said he’s grateful to those who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“I’m grateful for all the young people serving now. It’s all volunteer. I consider myself to be a survivor. It’s a whole different world now with all volunteers,” said McAleer, who served in the Navy during the Vietnam War.
About 200 people attended ceremonies at Greenmount Cemetery and Iris Park. About 70 people attended the wreath laying on the bridge over the Animas River near Rotary Park.
Many people don’t comprehend the risk entailed with military service, McAleer said, and people should be especially grateful for current military members who sign up voluntarily.
“I want to recognize the sacrifices of Iraqi and Afghanistan vets. It’s about them now,” he said.
Michael McLachlan, a former state representative who served in the Marine Corps in the Vietnam War, said he believes a core of Americans will always be willing to serve their country.
But he believes service is being divided along class lines.
He said it would be better for the country if everyone out of high school would be required to serve two years in “citizen service.”
He said two years in one of the military branches, in the Peace Corps or in other public service would help young adults.
“I think two years of public service would help people grow up a bit,” he said.
parmijo@durangoherald.com
