You couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day for folks to be outside honoring our veterans on Saturday, November 13. There were close to 100 people at the Senator Carlos R. Cisneros Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Questa, including veterans and their families, as well as staff from Rep. Teresa Leger-Fernandez and Senator Martin Heinrich’s offices.
Retired Marine Colonel Richard Rael spoke about leaving Questa after high school to pursue a career in the military, as did retired Marine Ronald “Ronnie” Gallegos. Ronnie is currently pursuing his second career as a high school football coach in Espanola. (Read more about Colonel Richard Rael in last month’s Veterans Issue cover story.)
Absent was Questeño Clarence Rael, a veteran of the Vietnam era, who lives in El Paso. He is Commander of the American Legion, DAV as well as the VFW. He oversees 10 different VFW posts in El Paso; that is a lot of responsibility. He was missed and honored at the program.
The late Charlie Castulo Cisneros of Cerro was commemorated, the plan was to honor him with a headstone, due to supply chain delivery delays, the headstone will be installed at a later date. All those who have served, in all branches of the military at all times were honored. Commemorative bricks—125 in number—are paving the park, each with a veteran’s name etched into them as tributes. Funds from the pavers go to upcoming new developments of the park and for the purchase of flags.
After the ceremony, the group moved next door to El Monte Carlo for food and beverages. Larry Sanchez, organizer of the event, would like to express his appreciation to Rodney and Chris Arrelano for live music that got people out on the dance floor. Frank Rael of Frank’s Eats & Sweets providing the wonderful Flag Cake. Frank also made banners for two of Questa’s most honored veterans: Valdemar DeHerrera, the only serviceman from New Mexico at Battle of Bataan, who turned 102 on October 8, making him one of the oldest surviving Bataan member, and the late Virgil Martinez who passed away on August 28 this year at the age of 101. Please see our May 2021 issue for more about Virgil. Larry would also like to thank this newspaper for the coverage they provide in supporting our veterans.
Photo Album
Photo by E. WIlde Iwo Jima sculpture by James Vigil Jr. of Vigil’s Welding in Taos, permanently installed in the park on November 22. 
Photo by E. Wilde Attendees admiring and sharing the banners of local service men and women from the area. 
Photo by E. WIlde Veterans and their families and out of town guests gather at Senator Carlos R. Cisnero Veterans Memorial Park in Questa. 
Photo by E. WIlde Retired Marine Colonel Richard Rael speaks at the Veterans Day event on November 13. 
Photo by E. WIlde: Speaker representing the offices of Senator Martin Heinrich. 
Photo by E. Wilde: Speaker Jennifer Sanchez representing the offices of the United States Representative Teresa Leger-Fernandez. 
Photo by E. Wilde Louise Gallegos presenting plaques to two of Questa’s most honored veterans: Valdemar DeHerrera, and the late Virgil Martinez. 
Photo by E. WIlde Mayor Mark Gallegos event speaker and participant in the Veterans Day Ceremony. 
Photo by E. Wilde Larry Sanchez, organizer of the event speaks about future exciting plans for the Charlie Cisneros Veterans Memorial. 
Photo by E. Wilde Chris Arellano, local musician and who was gracious enough to play at the after celebrations with Rodney. 
Photo by E. Wilde Ready for people and food at the El Monte Carlo after the very well organized ceremony next door 
Photos by E. Wilde Frank Rael of Frank’s Eats & Sweets providing the wonderful Flag Cake. Frank also made banners for two of Questa’s most honored veterans: Valdemar DeHerrera & Virgil Martinez. 
Photo by Maria Mikhailas All those who have served, in all branches of the military at all times were honored. Commemorative bricks—125 in number—are paving the park 
Photo by E. Wilde Attendees admiring and sharing the banners of local service men and women from the area. 
Photo by E. Wilde Charlie Cisneros Veterans Memorial Park, Questa New Mexico. 
Photo by E. Wilde: National Athem
