The 2019 Memorial Day observance in Isidro Baca Veterans Park.
John Larson | El Defensor Chieftain

A full program is scheduled for the Memorial Day exercises at Isidro Baca Veterans Park next Monday. Ceremonies commence at 11 a.m. with the singing of the National Anthem.

Featured speakers will include 28th District Senator Siah Correa Hemphill, Mayor Ravi Bhasker and retired U.S. Navy veteran Chuck Zimmerly as well as representatives from the Socorro County Commission.

Dave Finley of the Civil Air Patrol will serve as Master of Ceremonies. A rifle salute will be presented by the DAV Honor Guard, and the program will conclude with the playing of Taps.

Since 1971, when Congress declared it a national holiday, Memorial Day has been observed on the last Monday of May, commemorating U.S. men and women who died while in the military service.

Memorial Day is one of three dates on the calendar honoring America’s military servicemen and servicewomen, along with Veterans Day in November and Armed Forces Day, which was May 15.

El Defensor Chieftain