Waving flags to veterans during a parade along with dedicating a new cemetery, Carlsbad honored those who served in the United States military during war and peace time on Veterans Day.
The Carlsbad High School marching band, classic cars, classic tractors and fire trucks from the City of Carlsbad Fire Department and Eddy County Fire and Rescue participated in a parade that started at Carlsbad Intermediate School-P.R. Leyva.
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The parade ended at Carlsbad Cemetery for speeches, a wreath laying ceremony by former Carlsbad High School softball coach John Tigert and a dedication of the Carlsbad Memorial Veterans Cemetery.
“Carlsbad has had a busy week honoring our veterans. We honor them for everything they do throughout their lives,” said Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway during the ceremony.
He said the cemetery was dedicated to the burial of military veterans, including reservists along with active-duty service members.
Tigert, a Vietnam veteran, gave the keynote speech as he placed a wreath honoring Carlsbad military veterans.
Tigert was an educator, coach and athletics director for the Carlsbad Municipal Schools. He coached the Cavegirls to 11 state softball titles, eight state runners’ up trophies and 25 district championships. Tigert amassed 600 wins and was a five-time New Mexico Coach of the Year and founded the New Mexico All-Star Softball Game.
Carlsbad Air Force Veteran Greg Brand read a poem he wrote honoring veterans.
“We take time to honor our veterans. I encourage you to teach the young to love their country and serve their country,” he said.
Janway said Veterans Day was formerly Armistice Day, the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918.
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Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at [email protected] or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.
