MONTE VISTA – Approximately 200 people attended a beautiful solemn Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 26, at the Homelake Cemetery.  

Veterans from the living center and local Veterans, and family members gathered to remember the loved ones that paid the ultimate price for freedom.  

The ceremony kicked off with members of the Rio Grande County Color Guard marching in. Emcee and US Air Force Veteran Jack Rudder opened the ceremony. 

“It’s always good to share this time with my Veteran friends and their families. I would like to share a thought I heard from a Hollywood actor Mathew McConaughey, he said, ‘Any day you can wake up and speak freely, choose freely, and walk freely, without looking over your shoulder, is a good day to thank a Veteran, for their service, their sacrifice, and their commitment.’ What we are here for today is to thank those who went off to war and made great sacrifices and did not come home, so that’s who we honor here today. In this year 2025, it is the 250th anniversary of the Army, the Navy, and the Marine Corps. It’s also the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. It’s also the 50th anniversary to the end of the war in Vietnam. Any year with a five in it is special.”  

Rudder then introduced veteran Hope Quintana who sang the National Anthem. US Army Veteran Steven Dunkel led everyone in prayer. Colorado US Army Veteran Thomas Brown was then introduced to speak to everyone as the keynote speaker.  

Brown recognized State Representative Matthew Martinez, who served in Iraq. 

“We are honored on Veteran’s Day, but Memorial Day is when we are reminded of those Veterans who are no longer among us. Some fell in battle in the face of the enemy, and some while in training, others survived combat and went on to live long successful lives. Here on Memorial Day, we honor those Veteran brothers and sisters who have passed, while also honoring their service to the nation,” Brown said. 

“For many of us our fellow sailors, soldiers, airmen, marines, guardians, and coast guardsmen are the people who we are closest to and losing any one of them hurts. We must not forget them. It is our duty to remember them for as long as our flag still flies. We can and must help future generations to know of their sacrifice. Let us take this time to remember and honor the men and women who have given their lives for this great country and who rest in this beautiful cemetery. Let us reflect on their courage, their sacrifice, and their dedication to a cause greater than themselves. May they rest in peace. God Bless America.”  

A closing prayer and a rifle salute were also held, along with the presentations of the wreaths in front of the cemetery.  

The families of Sgt. Faith Hinkley and Sgt. Glenn Martinez, and other Veteran family members also rang the bell to honor and remember the fallen.  

A flyover was scheduled by the Colorado Air National Guard, but due to the weather, it would not take place as planned. 

Colorado Veterans Community Living Center at Homelake Director Pam Self said, “It was wonderful to see the large number of community members attend this year.  It is our honor to host this observance, not only for our community, but for our Gold Star families to honor their loved ones. I would like to thank all the volunteers who made today possible.”