Memorial Day Weekend

Anyone driving through Questa who sees the Veterans Field of Honor cannot help being moved. Whether you are a local touched by a flag commemorating a loved one, a motorcyclist on your way to Red River, or a motorist unfamiliar with Questa, the field of 1,000 US flags in a beautiful field against the dramatic backdrop of the Sangre de Cristos is a monumental sight. And it says a lot about the community and what it values.

The tradition started as an idea for how the Village of Questa could honor veterans from the community, which grew to include Cerro, Costilla, Amalia, and San Cristobal. The first event was held in 2004. Those 1,000 flags represent locals who served in seven different US conflicts as well as those veterans who served between conflicts, in peacetime and did not fight in combat. Eventually the display came to include all currently serving military personnel, as well.

This year the flags will go up on May 26 and will be taken down the morning of May 31. This event always revolved around a ceremony held on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. This year the ceremony will be on May 29, at 1:00 pm. It is located on the east side of Highway 522 in the middle of Questa, south of “the light.”

The Field of Honor requires many hands. Volunteers are needed to assist in planning, putting up the flags, and taking them down. The display also relies on monetary contributions to buy and replace flags. If you feel the call to honor those who have served our great country, please contact Louise Gallegos at (575) 613-5490 or the Village of Questa at  (575) 586-0694.  Thank you all again for another magnificent Veterans Field of Honor, may God Bless You and God Bless America.