Dozens honor fallen on Memorial Day

Ken Lindsey clutched his wife's hand as he remembered those who gave all.

"For those of us who were lucky to return home, it is our duty to honor our service members on this special day," Lindsey said.

An Air Force veteran of 11 years, Lindsey, 83, was among an estimated four dozen who attended the Memorial Day observance at Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens in Clovis.

Portales held a similar ceremony Monday morning.

Later Monday, Clovis' Living Word Church hosted a barbecue and Gospel music concert in honor of veterans who died in the line of duty.

Lindsey referred to his time in the military as a "family tradition." His father and brother were also veterans.

The Air Force, he said, was a "time I learned how to be a man and not the boy I was. ... One of the most important oaths any man or woman can take is to do their duty to their country."

He said many of his nephews have taken the oath to protect and serve, and he is proud of each of them.

"My family is a patriotic family and will continue serving for this country for many years," Lindsey said.

Ben Salazar, congressional aid to U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, D-N.M, said there are more than 40,000 veterans living in New Mexico's Congressional District 3.

"We must honor the legacy of our fallen soldiers, of our protectors and of all those who have bravely fought for our freedom," Salazar said.

He said Memorial Day is a day to honor not only those who have fallen, but their families and active service members as well.

Col. Jeremy Bergin, commander of the 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon Air Force Base, told the crowd that Cannon airmen "stand here today just as those who came before us ready to hold the line, steadfast."

"We stand here today in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and in support of our Gold Star families who continue to endure that same sacrifice," he said.

"We stand here today honoring the legacy of those who we have lost, yet ready to take on whatever the nation asks of us."