New Mexico XX

I wondered in to the New Mexico State House one evening and found this display of all those from the state to have been recipients of the Medal of Honor.

While, of course it honors all, as it should, I noted that five of the fourteen listed were so awarded for their actions while in Vietnam.

The lighting was particularly horrible and added flash just made things worse, so I thought I might add the individual plaques here, poor lighting not withstanding.

SSG. Dix is interesting to me as I have found him claimed in several other states.  In addition to the MOH, he was awarded a Purple heart and a Cross of Gallantry. Read more about him here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drew_Dennis_Dix

SSG. Miller did 6 tours in Nam, was awarded the Purple Heart six times along with a silver Star and other awards.

You can read more of his story here:

https://sofrep.com/specialoperations/franklin-d-miller-mac-v-sog-awarded-medal-honor-january-5-1970/

W.O II Rocco saved several men from a burning chopper and was awarded several other honors.

Read about his interesting life here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_R._Rocco

LCPL Worley saved several of his comrades by throwing himself on a grenade.

His story is here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_L._Worley

And, finally, Spec 4 Fernandez who also sacrificed himself for his brothers by falling on a grenade.

His story follows here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_D._Fernandez

So, with Memorial Day fast approaching keep the reason for it in mind and remember these and so many others who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country,

Next time, on the 30th I will go off script a little from Vietnam memorials to memorials to those we honor at this time of year. So, join me then at 9:00am to see memorials from other places to our brothers and sisters from all wars.

To see additional memorials from New Mexico, or any other state, please click on the state name on the left side of this page.

New Mexico XVII

As many of you know Santa Fe is one of my favorite places on earth. I visit as often as is possible and while on this journey I have often attempted to find a Vietnam memorial in the city. I have failed every time. I was told that no such memorial existed and that I should go to Albuquerque or Angel Fire to find memorials . Well, if you have followed this site a while, you know that I have visited those places, often as a matter of fact.

So, my quest continued as it just did not seem reasonable to me that a city the size of Santa Fe would have nothing to honor her Vietnam vets.

While photographing the Medal of Honor recipients display in the state capitol building, I got to chatting with the guard on duty. I happened to mention my bewilderment at the absence of a Vietnam Memorial and he said. "Oh, we have one, its over in Greigo Park"

Astounded, I said "What, I've been looking for it for years!" He said he lived in the neighborhood and knew exactly where it was. He gave me directions and in a matter of minutes a years long, frustrating search was ended. Just like that, I was standing in front of it.

The park is named after John F. Greigo who was killed on January 14, 1967 at the age of 21 after serving 10 months of his 12 month tour in Vietnam.  At the time of his death he had one brother serving in the Army in Germany, one brother serving in the Air Force stateside and one brother who had just finished his stint in the Air Force. The memorial honors the, now 18, lost from Santa Fe.

Note: one name has been added since I took this picture

Nearby is this, presumably, earlier memorial.

Note; There are 16 names on this memorial

The fact that the earlier memorial has 16 names and my photo has 17 and now there are 18 on the newer one emphasizes the on going work of identifying and honoring our brothers and sisters who were lost. 

Each May names are added to The Wall in D.C. if any have been identified. This past May, none were added, and it causes me to wonder if we have actually added the last name and whom that person might be, if not. Springsteen sings a lament about 'Nam asking "Who will be the last to die..." and I wonder will we ever know.

The memorial is on Paseo de la Conquistadoras.

Next time, on the 15th, we will return to New York, so meet me there at 9:00am.

To see other memorials from New Mexico, or any other state, please click the state name on the left side of this page.

New Mexico XIII

Rio Rancho is not too far from Santa Fe and they have created a magnificent park and memorial to all who have served.

A series of walls list the names of all who have served and , perhaps sadly, there is plenty of space for additional names. Heroes not yet made, or perhaps, even born.

Vietnam is, of course reflected here, In fact, the park was created by a couple of 'Nam vets who wanted a place to remember and reflect.

Note that this site begins the war in 1964, the year of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. This is not uncommon, but I always wonder how this is considered correct when so very many died before, from 1956 on.

The park is filled with paths, benches, gardens and other interesting and peaceful thing and is well worth a visit. It is located at 950 Pinetree Road S.E.

Next time, on the 8th, we will venture back to New York, so join me there at 9:00am, as always.

To see additional memorials from New Mexico, or any other state, click on the state name on the left side of this page.

New Mexico XII

A little more than 25 miles north of Santa Fe is Espanola which is the home of a beautiful Veteran's memorial that honors all from Northern New Mexico who have served.

It lists more than 2000 names, but does not specify service branches, rank etc.

A Walk of Honor provides places for individual remembrances.

100 red and white rose bushes surround the area but were not in bloom when I visited.

The fountain, seen in the first and second pic,  provides a restful water pool for reflection, but was not turned on the day I visited the site. This wall is the outer face and proclaims the gratitude of the community.

There are other sites here, so if in the area be sure to check out this great spot.

Next time, on the 16th, we will return to New York, so, join me there at 9:00am., as always.

To see additional memorials from New Mexico, or any other state, click the state name on the left side of this page.

Christmas 2011

It is Christmas eve and I hope that you, your family and your friends and loved ones are celebrating in some way. Regardless of religious belief, or lack of it, this is traditionally a time of year for celebration and renewal. From time beyond our memory, people have celebrated the renewal of the light, the return of the sun at this time. The ancient Celts, the Romans, the Greeks and countless others all over the planet have found a way to have hope at the darkest time of the year. I hope you and yours have hope, peace and a joyous season, whatever your belief.

The pictures here are from a very recent weekend (December 2-5) in New Mexico. I hope you enjoy them.

Be sure to remember our brave men and women who are not able to be with their loved ones at this time of year. I remember how hard it was to be in 'Nam during this season of hope, joy and renewal.