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Craig remembers its fallen heroes on Memorial Day

Noelle Leavitt Riley
Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion as well as Craig residents salute the American flag at the end of Memorial Day services Monday morning at Craig Cemetery.
Noelle Leavitt Riley

— Moffat County’s residents held their heads low and put hands on their hearts Monday morning at Craig Cemetery in recognition of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

Fallen veterans were honored through the Pledge of Allegiance, the reading the names of those who died in combat and by the shooting of rifles into the air.

“It’s in remembrance of my fallen brothers and those who have passed,” said Johnny Garcia, who served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War in 1968 and 1969. “It’s in honor of all of the fallen veterans.”



Families held one another, waiting to hear the names of their loved ones called.

Moffat County High School students Marie Bolton, 15, and Wesley Atkin, 15, played “Taps” on trumpets to highlight the service of America’s brave men and women.



“It means a lot to me,” Atkin said. “It’s nice to honor all the people who have fallen for us.”

American flags were placed alongside each white marble gravestone where families gathered after the ceremony.

Martha Martinez and her loved ones surrounded the gravestone of Eliseo Martinez, her father-in-law. She comes from a long line of family members who served in the military.

Martin Beckett, his wife, Isis, and their children Kale, 10, Maia, 7, and Cash, 5, also showed their respect to Eliseo Martinez, who was great-grandfather to the Beckett kids.

“It’s a day to remember all of the greats who have given us our freedom,” said Martin Beckett, whose father also served in the military.

Noelle Leavitt Riley can be reached at 970-875-1790 or nriley@CraigDailyPress.com.


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