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| Veterans Day Ceremony Recognizes NM Veterans |
November 11, 2006 |
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| Special Tribute Honors NM Fallen Heroes
Albuquerque – Speaking today at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial, Congresswoman Heather Wilson was privileged to honor those whose service has helped secure our freedom.
Daniel Downs, one of her appointees to West Point, was wounded in Iraq while looking after his men.
"Daniel would probably say he was just doing his job," Wilson said. "These heroes are ordinary Americans doing the extraordinary."
A Fallen Warrior Tribute honored the lives of four New Mexico soldiers and one Marine who died defending freedom in the War on Terror. Among them, Marine Pfc. Christopher Adlesperger, who was killed two years ago on Nov. 10, 2004. Now nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor, Adlesberger died saving others, and refused to leave anyone behind despite his own wounds.
"Christopher`s service was remarkable and his spirit was heroic," Wilson said. "Like this brave example, New Mexicans have always answered our nation`s call in a time of war."
Families of the Fallen Warriors were presented Memorial Bricks from the Association of the U.S. Army and the Marine Corps League, to be permanently placed at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial. The Military Order of the Purple Heart also presented Purple Heart plaques to the families, and the Jemez Springs Quilting Guild presented handmade quilts.
The ceremonies included a flyover by the F-16s of the 150th Fighter wing, New Mexico Air National Guard; music by the 44th Army Band, New Mexico Army National Guard; music by the Sandia High School Choral Group; flag honors by Kirtland Air Force Base, and was presented by the United Veterans Council of New Mexico, Kirtland Air Force Base and the City of Albuquerque.
"I`m privileged to recognize your service," Wilson said, speaking of all New Mexico veterans. "Today, millions enjoy the freedom that your service helped to win."
Veterans or family members looking for information on medals and veterans issues can visit http://wilson.house.gov or call Rep. Wilson’s office at (505) 346-6781. |
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