Put us on the list of those who want a veterans’ cemetery to be established in Valencia County. Yes, it might require a bit of water, but it would require water in any other part of this dry state, too.
First of all, it would be an honor for us to be the home of such a place. What greater service could a county do than welcome the people who’d come here for services. We don’t know of many places where such a large percentage of the population has actually served in the military, from Bataan to Da Nang to Kabul. Valencia County is a patriotic place — anyone who turned out for the Disabled American Veterans’ Memorial Day ceremony on Monday can tell you that.
Secondly, we do a very nice job with cemeteries. From the beautiful historic Tomé cemetery to the excellent upkeep of the Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church’s parish cemetery, we have made sure our final resting places are places of respect and care. Anyone who saw the huge crowds who turned out on Memorial Day to place flowers and wreaths on graves knows that Valencia County would really care about such a facility.
Veterans groups here are strong, and having a cemetery here would make them even stronger. We think having them be responsible for salutes for the departed would be something they would respond well to. Also, both our public high schools have ROTC programs, and we’re sure they’d take it upon themselves to participate.
We urge everyone to sign the petitions.
The Valencia County News-Bulletin is a locally owned and operated community newspaper, dedicated to serving Valencia County since 1910 through the highest journalistic and professional business standards. The VCNB is published weekly on Thursdays, including holidays both in print and online.
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April 19, 2024
