Numerous volunteer groups from across Lincoln County are assisting in preparation for the
 27th Annual Veteran’s Memorial Service on Saturday, May 28th, at the Fort Stanton Veteran's Cemetery, State Highway 220, Lincoln County, NM.  Here’s the list:

  • Carrizozo High School students have repainted the cross at the Fort Stanton cemetery.
  • EcoServants/Americorps of Lincoln County has painted new crosses to replace older ones at the Cemetery and will assist in landscape mowing and trimming immediately prior to the service.
  • Volunteers from the Spencer Theater Usher group will place almost 1,800 US flags on the graves for the Memorial Day weekend.
  • Several military or military support groups will also provide services for the event.
  • The New Mexico Army National Guard will present the colors with the American Legion and the Marine Corp League presenting the gun salute, TAPS and flag raising at the service.
  • The Alamogordo High School Air Force ROTC unit will pass out programs.
  • The Daughters of the American Revolution [DAR] will place a wreath at the base of the cemetery obelisk.
  • The Patriot Guard Riders motorcycle group will have a flag line at the event.
  • Larry Pope, manager of the Fort Stanton Historic Site, and his staff have continued to have the site prepared including chairs for visitors.

The 27th annual Veteran's Memorial Service and the 117th anniversary of the cemetery will be celebrated on May 28. The service is organized and conducted by Memorial Service Team made up of local veterans’ organizations from Lincoln, Otero and Chaves counties, the New Mexico Department of Veteran’s Services, and New Mexico State Monuments.  U.S. Congressman and Air Force Veteran Steve Pearce will deliver the main address at the 11 am. service. The Republican and Democratic Party women will furnish refreshments again following the service.

The general public is invited to any events leading up to and including the May 28th Memorial. A cordial invitation is extended to all residents from the three County areas to attend this years’ service to pay tribute to both military and merchant marine veterans who have served our nation.

For additional information, contact Larry Holt, Volunteer Coordinator at 575.354.3421.