Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy

Master of Ceremonies Tom Shelley welcomed everyone. "We have more than 600 sponsors this year, and for the seventh year in a row, we have enough wreaths, 4,900, to put a wreath on every marker here in the Fort Bayard National Cemetery. This annual event honors the fallen, as well as the P.O.Ws (prisoners of war) and M.I.A.s (missing in action). It is a remembrance of all who have served."He recognized every member of the Wreaths Across America Grant County committee, asked them to stand and be recognized.

He requested a moment of silence to honor those who have served.

The colors were posted by two members of the Grant County Veterans Coalition Color Guard, Lorraine Anglin sang The National Anthem and Silver High School National Honor Society students led The Pledge of Allegiance.

William Mize, the Mimbres resident Grant County Sheriff's deputy, served as the guest speaker. He served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

"There is nothing more humbling than seeing our flag fly over foreign soil. I was given that privilege during my term of service in the Navy. I operated as a boatswain's mate to catapult aircraft off the deck of the carrier, USS John F. Kennedy, for a little over three years. When I returned, I had a tough time readjusting back to civilian life. After taking several jobs and not finding what I was looking for, I went to work for the Grand County Sheriff's Office in December of 2006 and I'm still there. I have been in some type of service to my fellow man for most of my life.

"In 2017, my wife and I started working towards a non-profit organization. It is known as Indian Springs Ranch. It is to help our nation's veterans, law enforcement and first responders. Our mission is to reunite families, reduce stress and prevent suicide. Amongst these individuals, our guests get to come to our retreat, where they spend three days at the ranch. They are totally unplugged. They will have no access to phone, internet or Wi Fi or electricity. This allows them to have a reset. It has been proven that if you unplug from society, get out of your normal box or comfort zone for a minimum of three days, it will affect your mental and physical health in a positive way. It can lower your blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and even change some of your negative brain waves. Another tool we use is horses. We generally introduce these guests to our horses. Through the next three days, they will learn to trust and communicate with their chosen horse. This teaches them not only different ways to communicate and deal with horses, but how to communicate with loved ones and other people.

"It is also our pleasure to introduce or reintroduce them to the Gospels, because the word of God is all powerful and healing, he continued. "Some have never heard it, and some just need a little reminding that we are all children of God. My wife and I
are blessed to get to host these wonderful, deserving men and women.

"But what I'd really like to speak about today is patriotism, and what that means. Patriotism is love for one's own country. It can be an act of being courageous or just being ready to sacrifice for your own country. Moreover, the real sense of a Patriot, and patriotism comes from the sense of responsibility. It helps one work for the country to build a better future for the country and the countrymen. It promotes a fraternity and helps citizens stay in harmony with one another. Patriotism even helps in removing corruption and selfishness among the countrymen. Our nation's growth relies on patriotism. If we do not have a love of country, we, as a nation, will fail."

Mize said: "The future of our country depends on the young. If the young citizens are enthusiastic about their country and our real patriots, the progress and success of this country is guaranteed. A person's patriotism is put to the test during crucial moments like the onset of war, national emergency, or during times of uncertainties. The real patriot will stand in support of their country; a true patriot is respected even after death. The soul of the Patriot is immortal and deserves respect. A famous quote from Shakespeare is very relatable to this context. It says, 'cowards die many times before their death, the valiant never taste death once.' Our nation should always be be in our love and brotherhood. Our nation has shown tremendous patriotism to its citizens during times like 911 when our country really came together to take care of one another. We must also come together for the good of our country.
He added: "Another act of patriotism has defended the nation from criminals, both foreign and domestic. We have an obligation to help, to protect our families, our friends and our fellow Americans, to protect them from harm, physically, mentally or spiritually or any other possible way. It is the responsibility of all citizens. It is also the responsibility of them to know what the Constitution says and what it means for new citizens in this country. In addition the military, it is an act of patriotism for the nation's people to defend it. If terrorists attack homes, we should not wait for the military to come and help. We should always want to stand up for ourselves. Patriotism cannot be spoon fed, nor can it be taught. It is one of the purest feelings that a citizen can develop on their own.

"We must keep in mind that we, because of true patriotic leaders like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, our country is free today. A genuine Patriot is consistently willing to make sacrifices for their nation, and that means to serve in whatever capacity you can. None of us are the same—thank goodness. We all have different skills, gifts to offer. Everyone of us can help in some way. Being a patriot doesn't mean only to celebrate the good things, waving a flag, for instance, on the fourth of July. It would mean, be willing to wave a flag anytime or all the time, being willing to help someone in need if called in the middle of the night, even if it's not someone you know. Let's all think about how we can be more patriotic, better citizens to this beautiful country, better neighbors, better friends, but most of all, we can be better families.
"Wreaths Across America is a great program that promotes patriotism in our community, keeps our veterans from being forgotten with the remember, honor, and teach mission. This year's theme is 'Live with Purpose.' So let us all make it our mission to do just that—live with purpose. As we said their names while we placed the wreath at the base of the headstone, please take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices they endured for our country, our family, our communities. These men and women are true patriots. From the revolutionary war till now, our all-volunteer military has entered our nation's own arms today, as we honor the remembering of those who answered that call. Some gave their life for our everything. Thank you. God bless our veterans and God bless America."

Shelley reacted to Mize's speech: "Wow. Thank you, Bill, thanks for that very deeply meaningful message"

He continued: "We are gathered here this morning at this memorial site, and more than 4800 participating locations like this one all across America and overseas, to remember that we are one nation under God and with one flag. We are proud to be Americans who live in a free society made up of many people, many cultures and from many walks of life, the freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price. Lying here, all around us and in cemeteries throughout this nation and across the seas are men and women who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom and without fear. We can worship as we see fit. We can raise our children to believe as we do or as they may wish. We can travel from one end of this vacation to the other and not act as permission. We are free to vote for whomever we feel should be in government office, and we answer to no one but our own feelings. We have the right to succeed. The United States of America was founded on the ideals of freedom, justice and equality. Our nation stands as a shining beacon of liberty and freedom to the world. We cannot take this freedom for granted. We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free, and we shall not forget them. We shall remember today, more than ever, as we reflect upon service members who have had to fight and continue to fight to protect the innocent and oppressed. This nation has always been the first to stand up for the freedom of people from around the world. Many of you here today are veterans of wars and conflicts that America has had to fight.

"This is a quote from President Ronald Reagan, our 40th president—'Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it on to our children in the our genes. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children, what it was once like in the United States, where men and women were free.

"The Wreaths Across America motto is most appropriate to recall at this time. Remember honor and teach. Remember the Fallen honor those who serve and teach our children the value of freedom. So we are here today to remember, honor and teach.

The wreath laying was next to honor each branch of the service and the prisoners of war and missing in action. Coordinating the presentation of the wreaths was Robert Vance, president of the Gadsden Chapter society of the Sons of the American Revolution. He wore an authentic replication of the military uniform worn by his revolutionary war ancestors."

Shelley noted: "We are grateful for the support of their Gadsden chapter as well as that of the Jacob Bennett Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution whose participation and assistance have been invaluable."

Next came the laying of wreaths, honoring every branch of the Armed Forces, as well as extra ones for the P.O.W.s and M.I.A.s and honoring those who served at Fort Bayard, soldiers, enlisted and officers, and from the Medical Corps of doctors and nurses.

The Hi Lo Silvers sang "Let There Be Peace."

Shelley gave closing remarks: "We could quote you the statistics of individuals buried here and around the country, but all you would have is a bunch of numbers. We instead ask you to take a moment and visit a grave site, say that individual's name on the marker aloud, and thank him or her for their service. That way he or she will not be forgotten, and perhaps you have already done so as you participated in the cemetery wreath placement. Thank you for doing that. Some 651 grave specific wreath requests were made this year, as confirmed in your program in memoriam list, what a special way to remember and honor those veterans. Combining the wreath distribution, wreath laying and the remembrance ceremony into one morning is a major challenge. We would like to take the opportunity now to thank all the countless volunteers without whom we could not have accomplished this sizable one morning project."

He thanked the participation of personnel from Ace Hardware, Freeport McMoRan, and Griffin's fuel center for their logistical support. Shelly asked people to look at the Ace Hardware video about the program of Wreaths Across America that was released last December. "Please go to aceehardware.com to view what an amazing tribute. Looking ahead, wreath retirement is scheduled for four weeks from today, January 11."

Shelley invited Gina Maestas to make a quick presentation.

"It is said that every organization has a great leader," Maestas said."What we have is above and beyond a great leader. Mary Cowan, will you please come forward? Your committee would like to let everyone know how much she is appreciated."

Cowan came forward to receive flowers. "You need to know that I benefit from this every bit as much as you and I appreciate this opportunity, and I'm blessed by it, and thank you all for being here, and for many of you being our sponsors."

The Hi Lo Silvers sang "God Bless America," with the attendees invited to join in on the second chorus.

The Color Guard retired the Colors and Brian Gorog played "Taps."

ADDITION: As a followup to Saturday's Wreaths Across America program at Fort Bayard National Cemetery, the WAA's Mobile Education Exhibit has been secured for Grant County on February 8-9. Sponsored by the American Legion Post 18, the Silver City-Grant County Chamber of Commerce, and the Jacob Bennett Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, this interpretive, educational experience will be of interest to all ages. 

More information will be provided in January.

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