City Celebrates Veterans Day
The City of Albuquerque honored its veterans during the annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony on Monday, November 11. The event, organized by the Parks & Recreation Department in collaboration with the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, celebrated the legacy of service and sacrifice that veterans have made for our country.
The parade, which featured a vibrant display of community spirit, kicked off at USS Bullhead Memorial Park, and concluded at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park, where a reverent, heartfelt ceremony took place.
“Veterans will always be recognized and supported in our City, and this day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the profound meaning of their service,” said Mayor Tim Keller “As a community, we will continue working together to build a city that upholds the ideals our veterans fought for; freedom, justice, and equality.”
The ceremony featured keynote addresses from Chief Administrative Officer Samantha Sengel, Colonel Michael Power of the 377 Air Base Wing, and Brigadier General (Ret.) Jack Fox. Musical performances by the Dukes of Albuquerque Concert Band added to the festivities. At 11:00 a.m., the traditional tolling of bells commemorated the armistice that ended World War I in 1918, serving as a poignant reminder of the impact of military service.
“As the daughter of a career Army officer, I understand how important it is for the community to show its gratitude to those who have served,” said CAO Samantha Sengel. “Albuquerque is a city supports our Service-members, Veterans and their Families, and we continue to expand our Veteran-focused initiatives”
With over 65,000 veterans living in New Mexico and more than 400 working for the City, Albuquerque remains committed to recognizing and supporting service-members, veterans, and their families.
This includes creating economic opportunities available to Veterans through a number of programs. Free career training can be found through the Job Training Albuquerque (JTA) program. There is also assistance available for those looking to start their own businesses through the Business Resource Center, which houses the Small Business Office and the NM Minority Business Development Agency (NM MBDA).
For veterans experiencing homelessness or in danger of becoming homeless, the New Mexico Veterans Integration Center Transitional Living Facility (VIC) can help, providing a safe space, wraparound services, and a path to housing stability. The VIC is open and successfully transitioning veterans and their families.
The City is also currently fundraising for the USS Albuquerque Memorial, which will be permanently located at Tingley Beach, and is investing over $1 million in enhancements to the New Mexico Veterans Memorial, including the recent unveiling of the World War II Correspondents Memorial.
For those interested in supporting local veterans, opportunities include volunteering to beautify the New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park or engaging with the Veterans and Military Affairs Advisory Board. For more information, visit www.cabq.gov/office-of-military-and-veterans-affairs.