Sacrifice: What Memorial Day is …

Friday - June 10, 2016 by Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum

Following the flag bearers, community members walk among veterans during the Day of Remembrance procession from the Southern Ute Veterans Memorial Park to the Bear Dance Bridge.

Veterans in attendance at the annual Day of Remembrance ceremony gathered for a photo in the Southern Ute Veterans Memorial Park on Monday, May 30. The annual Memorial Day ceremony is organized and hosted by the Southern Ute Veterans Association.

Bill Morris (USMC) played ‘Taps’ in the Ouray Cemetery to close the Memorial Day ceremonies.

Ute Mountain Ute Casino Color Guard stand at attention during the Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Ouray Cemetery.

Southern Ute elder, Alden Naranjo Jr. (USNG) was one of the guest speakers and offered a prayer in the Ouray Cemetery.

Southern Ute elder and Air Force Veteran Austin Box and fellow Native Veteran (foreground) hold the eagle staffs that lead the procession from the Southern Ute Veterans Memorial Park to Ouray Cemetery.

A republic of Vietnam patch is worn by Vietnam veteran in Ouray Cemetery.

All military veterans salute the American flag, honoring all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in their respective branch of service in the US military during the Day of Remembrance Memorial Day services.

Southern Ute elder Howard Richards Sr. (US Army) prepares to hoist the Southern Ute flag as Red Spirit sings an honor song in Ouary Cemetery.

Tribal flags lead the way towards the Southern Ute Ouray Cemetery as they pass the Southern Ute Bear Dance.

Russell Blackbird (KSNG) said a prayer, and offered a wreath dedicated to those service men and women lost at sea.

Jack Frost Jr. (USMC) walks in the procession from the Veterans Memorial Park to the Ouray Cemetery.

Ute Mountain Ute Color Guard stand with Ute Mountain elder Terry Knight Sr. (left) and Ute Mountain Ute Chairman Manuel Heart and at the Southern Ute Day of Remembrance.

Austin Box and brother Russell both Southern Ute Air Force veterans at the Day of Remembrance ceremony in Veterans Memorial Park.

Brothers in arms, Russell Box and Austin Box sit together during the Day of Remembrance ceremony in Veterans Memorial Park.

Southern Ute Veterans Association members gave roses to the family members who lost loved ones. Irene Burch and family accept a rose from Bruce LeClair for her late husband, Leonard C. Burch.

Southern Ute Veterans Association members gave roses to the family members who lost loved ones. Claira Romero accepts a flower on behalf of Southern Ute WWI veteran John Washington.

Speakers, Raymond Baker (U.S. Navy, Ret.), Andrew Welch – Veterans Affairs Director, Albuquerque, Kenneth Adair CSM Retired – Director of Field Services, and Marvin Trujillo – Chairman of the SWNAVA were all presented blankets from the Veterans Association.

Rod Grove, (US Army) presents speaker and Southern Ute US Navy retired veteran with a blanket.

Kenneth Adair stoically stands before the flags in the Veterans Memorial Park.

Andrew Welch, Albuquerque Veterans Affairs director gave a welcome speech.

Veterans from all branches and all nations were present for the annual Day of Remembrance ceremony presented by the Southern Ute Veterans Association.

Kenneth Adair, Director of Field Services gave a rousing speech during the Day of Remembrance ceremony.

Southern ute drum group 12 Gauge song an honor song at the Day of Remembrance.

Southern Ute tribal member, Loni Acevedo (U.S. Army) hoists the Southern Ute flag.

Ute Mountain Ute elder and US Air Force Vietnam veteran Terry Knight Sr. gave the invocation.

Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum

The Southern Ute Day of Remembrance, presented by the Southern Ute Veterans Association took place on a sunny Memorial Day on Monday, May 30. The ceremony began in the Southern Ute Veterans Memorial Park, with a procession to Bear Dance Bridge, where a prayer was said and a wreath offered to the waters for those men and women lost at sea. The procession then made it’s way to the Ouray Cemetery for closing ceremonies. Councilman Tyson Thompson participated with the drum group 12 Gauge who sang a Honor Song and Vice Chairwoman Lorelei Cloud paid her respects during the ceremony.

Tags: 12 Gauge, Alden Naranjo Jr., Andrew Welch, Bill Morris, Bruce LeClaire, Day of Remembrance, Francis Mitchell, Howard Richards Sr., Kenneth Adair, Lorelei Cloud, Manuel Heart, Marvin Trujillo, Memorial Day, Ouray Cemetery, Raymond Baker, Red Spirit, Rod Grove, Ronnie Baker, Russell Blackbird, Southern Ute Veterans Association, Southern Ute Veterans Memorial Park, Terry Knight Sr., Tyson Thompson