Memorial Day Flags placement 9 a.m. on Friday, May 24th

Contact Person: Cecile Kinnan 575-336-9157   Written by Holly Braden

Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 27^th, this year. Cecile Kinnan and the Spencer Theater ushers have again 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, May 24^th. Dennis Metz will play taps before the placement of the flags on Friday.

The cemetery is located at 1398 Hwy 220 and can be reached by turning left off Airport Rd. or going 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.

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. Donations allowing the Spencer ushers to purchase more flags for the new graves and to replace those that are worn would be greatly appreciated.

The Spencer Theater ushers and volunteers with the help of the Department of Veterans Affairs place flags on the graves at the Fort Stanton Military Cemetery on Memorial Day and Veterans Day and place wreaths on the graves during the Christmas season. The flags and wreaths must be purchased through donated funds. 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/Memorial Day flags.

 If you have any questions, contact Cecile Kinnan at 336-9157. Join the Spencer ushers and your friends and neighbors in this worthwhile endeavor to honor our veterans.

Matt M