Veterans will be recognized at the Isidro Baca Park in Socorro’s historic district on Nov.11 at 11 a.m. Baca, the park’s namesake, died on Aug. 21, 1967 while serving with the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam; he was 19 years old.

Jerry D. Scoggins, 1987

Decorated veteran, Jerry D. Scoggins, retired Master Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps will be the keynote speaker. Scoggins said it’s an honor for him to come back to Socorro to speak for Veterans Day and about Isidro Baca. In 1967 he was part of the Marine Corps Honor Guard for Baca and remembers how the Bacas embraced him and treated him like their own.

“It’s an honor to go down there and be part of this, I never had a chance to say thank you to his family,” Scoggins said. “We were all so young then, it was a sad moment any time you have to do that for someone, but it was an absolute honor to send Isidro on his path to meet God.”

Dave Finley, organizer of the event, said he is pleased to have Scoggins as the keynote speaker because he has a direct connection to the park and community.

“I’m always impressed with the crowd and the attitude they have to show support to all of our veterans,” Finley said.

Veterans Day program starting at 11 a.m.
Presentation of Colors: Civil Air Patrol
National Anthem: Jeannette Otero
Invocation: Daun Medaris, Disabled American Veterans
Introduction to Recognition of Veterans:
Lt. Col. Dave Finley, Civil Air Patrol
Recognition of Veterans Present, By Service:
United States Army, established 14 June 1775
United States Navy, established 13 October 1775
United States Marine Corps, established 10 November 1775
United States Coast Guard, established 4 August 1790
United States Air Force, established 18 September 1947
United States Space Force, established 20 December 2019
Guest Speakers:
Mayor Ravi Bhasker, City of Socorro
Rep. Gail Armstrong, NM Legislature
Rep. Tara Jaramillo, NM Legislature
Commissioner Glen Duggins, Socorro County
MGySgt (Ret.) Jerry Scoggins, U.S. Marine Corps
Bagpipes: Johannes Heynekamp, Stephen Malone
Rifle Salute: DAV Honor Guard
Taps: George Murillo

Jessica Carranza Pino, Editor