Veterans past and present honored in Mesilla
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Every veteran’s day, we reflect on the contributions of those in uniform, and acknowledge the impact their service has on all of us. There are many ways to do that. A simple thank you. A listening ear. Even the smallest gesture can go a long way in showing veterans that their sacrifices matter.
The Dona Ana Daughters of the American Revolution showed their gratitude by decorating Mesilla Veterans Park with hundreds of American flags. Each one had the name of a veteran, living or deceased, attached. Each veteran’s name was read aloud for the crowd of friends, loved ones and even strangers.
Janice Blankenship came with three of her friends, who are veterans. She also came to remember her husband. “My husband was Navy and very proud to be Navy. He passed away about ten months ago so I’m here to honor him and his service,” said Blankenship,
Army Veteran David Yaryan said he came to honore his grandfather. “He was a WWII vet. He was on two aircraft carriers that were both bombed. The second one he went down with the ship,” Yaryan said.
Vietnam Veteran George Dials and his wife Pamela Smith Dials remember back to the days he was overseas. Pamela was home with the couple’s 1-year old son, holding down the fort and worrying for George’s safety while he served as commander of a large scale infantry in Vietnam. The two of them are thankful that veterans are being recognized.
As the names were read, stories of sacrifice, triumphs and losses were told.
The Daughters of the American Revolution is a lineage-based service organization for women who are directly descended from a person who served or supported the American Revolution. The nonprofit that promotes historic preservation, education and patriotism. They honor those who are serving now and those who have passed, in times of peace and war.
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