Military & Veterans Day to honor POWs and MIAs
WINDOW ROCK
Former prisoners of war and military personnel listed as missing In action will be honored at this year’s Legislature in Santa Fe.
According to a news release from the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services, Jan. 25, which falls on a Saturday, is designated as Military & Veterans Day.
A celebration to honor active duty military personnel and veterans will be held in the Rotunda at 11 a.m. at the State Capital (490 Old Santa Fe Trail).
According to the 2014 U.S. Census, there are 172,717 veterans in New Mexico. A 2012 count of Navajo veterans was estimated to be at 10,674. There are no current updates.
It is not known how many Navajo military veterans there are living in the Land of Enchantment. But the majority of the New Mexico veterans are 65 years of age and older, the Census added.
“Veterans and active-service personnel are also encouraged to meet their local legislators to discuss military and veterans’ issues – and watch the legislative process in action in the state Senate or House of Representatives chambers,” the statement read.
The public is invited to join in this annual celebration. Informational tables will be set up from 8 a.m. to 1p.m. in the east and west wings of the Rotunda staffed by the New Mexico National Guard, veterans service organizations, and community service organizations.
Information: Ray Seva, ray.seva@state.nm.us.
Highway 264,
I-40, WB @ Winslow