Annual Veterans Ceremony held at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

On Saturday 3 September 2011 over 300 volunteers and family members gathered at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park in Angel Fire to honor America's Veterans by memorializing the sacrifices they and their families made in answering their country's call to arms. The annual ceremony is conducted by the David Westphall Veterans Foundation, NM Run for the Wall Bikers, and NM Sate Parks. This year 275 bricks were installed to commemorate individuals who served from the Revolutionary War through the current war in Afghanistan.  As the names are called, each inscribed brick is carried by a family member, comrade, or volunteer to its designated space.  Each year eight additional bricks are also installed for recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award.  Those honored this year were David H. McNerney, Leonard B. Keller, Raymond R. Wright, James P. Fleming, Salvatore A. Giunta, Ed W Freemen, Humbert R Versace, and Raymond G Murphy. At this ceremony Joe Pilcher represented Keller and Wright and Eric Ortegren represented Salvatore Giunta. Joe was with Keller and Wright in that historic battle and Eric served with Salvatore on his first tour of duty in Afghanistan.