New Mexico XVIII

Awhile back I had the chance to fulfill a long time goal. I wanted to see the famous Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta held each in that beautiful, historic city and the opportunity presented itself due to my good friends, Craig and Carol, who mover there after retirement.

To get the full experience you arrive well before dawn to watch and maybe even help the hundreds upon hundreds of magnificent hot air balloons prepare for the days events which are numerous. There are ascensions, displays, and races just to name a few and I will post more on that later,

After a full morning of events we were leaving as the winds change and not too much goes on in the midday, although there always seems to be someone in the air, sometimes many.

We came across this fantastic balloon just as we were headed out.

Among all the balloons here and there are many, many uniquely shaped and /or decorated examples of peoples dedication to the art and craft of ballooning, this one stands out as a tribute to POW/MIAs.

I know that the POW/MIA symbolism on this balloon has come to represent all still missing from all wars, but as I have said before, it will always be a 'Nam thing to me. It was created by the wife of a POW in 'Nam and has come to honor all. Over 80,000 are still listed as missing since WWI.

This is a pic of the truck these guys use and according to their website there are several balloons that travel to various events throughout the year. this stuff is very expensive and they are always looking for donations, so if you are so inclined check them out and help them out if you can,

 

I particularly like this balloon because it shows that memorials to our lost brothers and sisters can take many forms. Over the years I have noted that memorials to those lost in 'Nam tend to be some kind of Wall, a Huey on a mission, or soldiers helping a fallen comrade, so finding something unique, like this one, is always special to me. 

For the next couple of posts, as is my tradition, I will be writing about something other than our losses in Vietnam. this time of the year is supposed to be joyful, so I always try to highlight other pictures about happier things.

So, next time, on the 23rd, I will post some additional pics from Balloon Fiesta for the holidays.

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