Families filled Fort Logan National Cemetery on Memorial Day, visiting the graves of loved ones and joining a ceremony honoring those who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
DENVER — On Monday, drivers slowly made their way through the winding roads of Fort Logan National Cemetery, searching for a parking spot. Countless cars — and even more people — traversed through the cemetery, walking along the seemingly endless white marble headstones until they found the name of their loved one.
They carried flowers and coins, which they laid at gravestones, before making their way to the center of the cemetery for the annual Memorial Day commemoration honoring military members who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The gravity of that ultimate sacrifice is something Mike and Annette Martinez grew up understanding, thanks to their own fathers, who were veterans.
"Thank you. Yeah, that's it. We have to thank them," said Mike. ► Watch Colette Bordelon's report in the player below: At Fort Logan, Coloradans pause to remember those who never came home Mike's father, Jose Martinez, was an Air Force veteran who passed away in 2014.
"He was a boom technician," said Mike. "He was out there as they would fuel the airplanes midair. " Emilio Muniz, Annette's father, served in the Navy from 1951 to 1954 as a Seabee construction worker. “He showed us all how to do things that if you didn't know how to do anything, this is how he learned: you take it apart, you look at everything, and then you put it back," said Annette.
The Martinezes said that, from a young age, their families instilled the importance of paying their respects to military members who died while serving the country.
“He always told me every time you see somebody who was in the service, you show them respect, and you show them tribute for what they did, because they put their life on the line," said Annette. "Whenever you see a veteran, you salute them, you appreciate them," said Mike. "And we do, we really do, because they gave up their all, so that we could be here, where we are enjoying life.
" Denver7 | Your Voice: Get in touch with Colette Bordelon Denver7’s Colette Bordelon covers stories that have an impact in all of Colorado’s communities, but specializes in reporting on crime, justice and politics. If you’d like to get in touch with Colette, fill out the form below to send her an email.
Air Force Annette “Nettie” Martinez Army Beatrice Muniz Colorado Colorado News Denver Denver News Emilio Muniz
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
SWAT responds after reported gunfire in LoganShots fired in Logan prompted a SWAT team response while residents sheltered in place.According to the Logan Police Department, a man believed to be the shooter
Read more »
Gabby Logan to Host BBC's First World Cup Final MatchAccording to Inside Sport, legendary Scottish football presenter Gabby Logan will host the BBC's coverage of the first match of the World Cup Final on June 23. She will share presenting duties with Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman.
Read more »
Honor Guard Members Prepare for Veterans' Burial Services at Fort Logan National CemeteryFormer U.S. Marines from the Greeley area, dressed in black pants, white shirts, and a red garrison cap, form a row of honor guard members in a veterans service organization known as the Union Colony Marines Detachment 1093. They prepare a rifle salute for an honorably discharged veteran prior to burial at Fort Logan National Cemetery, the resting place of more than 160,000 veterans and eligible family members.
Read more »
Fort Douglas ceremony allows families to honor loved ones on Memorial DayFor many, Memorial Day is a long weekend. But at Fort Douglas Cemetery in Salt Lake City, it was a holiday of names, headstones, and the people who keep coming back to remember them.
Read more »