Native American blessing of the Ranger Vietnam Veterans
Memorial Stone was held on Saturday, May 31, 2008. This
was during the 1st Annual Vietnam Veterans Memorial assembly
which will be an annual event. The Patriot Guard Riders
started the event with a motorcycle parade from the swimming
pool to the memorial area.
David Mojica, a member of the Laguna Pueblo Nation and Orlando
Sosa, a member of the Comanche Apache Nation, performed a
"smudging" ceremony, which has a long tradition with native
peoples as a purification ceremony.
Commander Joel Jimenez and Commander Larry Monroe welcomed
guests and speakers. An invocation was given by Cliff Lindsay
and Judge Fields thanked all veterans for their service.
Keynote speaker was VA Director Carl Lowe. After the ceremony,
a barbeque was held. Photos courtesy of Joel Jimenez.
End of pictures
RANGER VIETNAM VETERAN MEMORIAL