Veterans Day falls on Sunday, November 11th this year. Cecile Kinnan and the Spencer
Theater ushers have partnered with David Flores of the Department of Veterans
Services to facilitate the placing of flags on the graves at the Fort Stanton Military
Cemetery. Flags will be placed on each veteran’s grave at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, November 9th and retrieved on Tuesday, November 13th. Dennis Metz will play taps
before the placement of the flags on Friday and will play taps at the gate of the
cemetery at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 10th and Sunday, November 11th.
As each flag is placed in the holder next to the grave a thanks for the service of the
veteran will be recited. The cemetery has been in existence since the 1800s and is
the final resting place for more than 1000 veterans. The number of graves at the
cemetery is increasing as the new section has been opened. Will Stilsman has donated
100 new flags to the cemetery, and donations allowing the Spencer ushers to purchase
more flags to replace those that are worn would be greatly appreciated.
The Spencer Theater ushers are also collecting money to purchase wreaths to be
placed on the graves during the Christmas season. Money for either the flags or
the wreaths must be sent to the co-sponsors of these projects The Noon Day Lions,
c/o Mike Schattner, treasurer, or Don Fowler, project coordinator, P.O. Box 1130,
Ruidoso, NM 8355. Please include a memo stating that the money is for Wreaths
Across America and/or Veterans Day flags.
The cemetery is located at 1398 Hwy 220 that can be reached by turning left off of
Airport Rd. or through Capitan on Hwy 48 to 380 to 220. It is near Ft. Stanton. Flags will
be placed regardless of the weather, so be sure to check the conditions at Ft. Stanton
and come appropriately dressed. Individuals, families, and groups are all welcome.
If you have any questions, contact Cecile Kinnan at 336-9157.
Join the ushers and your friends and neighbors in this worthwhile endeavor to honor
our veterans.