holidays and observances

Memorial Day-why I went to  Angel Fire to see a brick

The United States celebrates Memorial Day  on the last Monday of  May, a day set aside to remember people who died while serving  in the armed forces, although many families  use it to remember other deceased loved ones also.  Memorial Day 2014 was special and unique for me and my husband.

We had planned a trip to New Mexico, not realizing we would be there on Memorial Day. I was going to attend a medical conference and we also wanted to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Angel Fire. The previous year, I ordered a memorial brick ,engraved with his name, to be laid on the walkway there. Our schedule was such that the most convenient day to visit would be Memorial Day. We didn’t know that the Memorial has a special observance there every Memorial Day; but when we found out, we planned to attend. Here, in pictures,  is what we experienced that day .

on the memorial grounds, the chapel in the background
on the memorial grounds, the chapel in the background
In the background, I am kneeling to view Raymond's brick
In the background, I am kneeling to view Raymond’s brick
inside the chapel, which is never locked; it is open for anyone to enter at any time
inside the chapel, which is never locked; it is open for anyone to enter at any time
presenting a flag and plaque to the family of a fallen soldier
presenting a flag and plaque to the family of a fallen soldier
music by a local military reserve unit
music by a local military reserve unit

Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Angel Fire, New Mexico

Raymond Oglesby with his brick
Raymond Oglesby with his brick
Raymond with the late Dr. Westphal, who founded the memorial in honor of his son who died in Vietnam (an old photo)
Raymond with the late Dr. Westphall, who founded the memorial in honor of his son David who died in Vietnam
(an old photo)
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