To the sound of bagpipes and a gun salute, more than 100 residents gathered in the Cortez American Legion Hall Memorial Day Monday morning in remembrance of fallen military service members.
By pausing to remember those who have given so much, we consecrate American heroes to be emulated by our children and generations to come, said John Shriner, commander of the Ute Mountain American Legion Post
The most recent local service member to fall was U.S. Army Spc. George Geer, 27, who died Jan. 17, 2005, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his position in Ar Ramadi, Iraq.
He received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Infantrymans Badge, and was promoted from private first class to specialist for his ultimate sacrifice.
Similar ceremonies were held throughout the morning at the Cortez Cemetery, Rico Cemetery, Mancos Cemetery and Dolores Community Center.
As outgoing commander, Shriner recognized Club Manager Cindy Michaels, Legionnaire of the Year Ken Hole, 50-year award recipient Carl Armstrong, as well as honor guard members Bud Crawn and Don Swank as Indispensable Legionnaires.
For more information on the local Legion, contact Shriner at 565-9095 or Jr. Vice Cmdr. Swank at 564-0557.
Reach Reid Wright at reidw@cortezjournal.com