SANTA FE — Fifty U.S. military veterans who served their country but whose remains have gone unclaimed will be remembered for their service and laid to rest with full military honors Thursday, Sept. 17, through New Mexico's Forgotten Heroes Funeral Program.
The public is invited to stand as family for them.
The program ensures that veterans whose remains go unclaimed receive a military funeral with the dignity and respect they earned through their service. The ceremony is coordinated by the New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services (NMDVS), Bernalillo County, the New Mexico National Guard and Santa Fe National Cemetery.
"These veterans answered the call to serve our nation, and we have a responsibility to ensure their service and sacrifice are never forgotten," NMDVS Cabinet Secretary Jamison Herrera said. "The Forgotten Heroes Funeral Program ensures they are laid to rest with the dignity, gratitude and respect they have earned."
Memorial Ceremony
When: 9 a.m.
Where: Legacy Church, 4701 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque
"These men and women were people with lives, hopes and stories that mattered. Honoring their service is our way of affirming that they remain part of this community and will not be forgotten," said Bernalillo County Manager Cindy Chavez.
Following the memorial ceremony, law enforcement officers and motorcycle groups representing veteran service organizations will escort the veterans' urns to Santa Fe National Cemetery.
Military Burial with Full Honors
When: 11 a.m.
Where: Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe
Both the Albuquerque memorial ceremony and the burial at Santa Fe National Cemetery are open to the public, offering New Mexicans an opportunity to come together and pay their respects to those who served.
