Corrales celebrates Wreaths Across America

CORRALES — For the first time, Corrales recognized fallen veterans for Wreaths Across America Dec. 14.

Deacon Steve Rangel lead the ceremony and introduced speakers but also represented the Auxiliary Coast Guard.

“This year across the country at many different locations, like this one here at San Ysidro Cemetery, Americans gather safely as one nation to remember, honor and to teach,” he said. “We are all proud to be Americans that live in a free society made up of many people from many walks of life.”

Rangel then struck a more somber note before concluding with a message of gratitude.

“The freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price. Lying here before us in this cemetery, throughout this nation, are men and women who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom and without fear,” he said. “We can worship as we see fit. We can raise our children to believe as we do. We are free to vote for the leaders of our choosing... we have the right to succeed, and we have the right to fail at whatever we wish to pursue. The United States of America was founded on the ideals of freedom, justice and equality. Our nation stands a shining beacon of liberty and freedom to the world.”

Rangel attributed those freedoms to veterans and fallen veterans — those who gave their lives to keep people free.

“Today more than ever, we reflect on our nation’s veterans and active-duty service members who have come and continue to fight to protect the innocent and the oppressed. This nation has always been the first to stand up for the freedom of our people from around the world. Many of you here today have answered that call and served your country,” Rangel said.

One of those who served and was at the ceremony was San Ysidro Parish Pastor James McGowan. He said one of the first things he did when he became pastor was walk through the cemetery.

“It’s very familiar with this cemetery. I was shocked to discover how many veterans we’ve actually buried here in this small cemetery,” he said. “World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom.”

McGowan noted that the full extent of the veterans buried at the cemetery may not be known.

“The front part of the cemetery, that has been lost to time,” he said. “You don’t know who’s buried there. We do know, this historic church goes back to 1865, so we know it’s very possible we have veterans in that section. It’s quite possible we have veterans from the American Civil War buried here, from the Indian Wars, the Spanish-American war.”

He went on to thank all living veterans and those currently serving.

“And we realize, too, that when you put the uniform on, nothing is guaranteed. Nothing is promised. You sign a blank check for years or more for your life,” McGowan said.

He recalled his own service and told the group about his family’s history with the military.

Corrales Mayor James Fahey, who served as a lieutenant commander for the Coast Guard said a few words.

“It would be nice if we had more young people, but this is OK. I mean, we’ve all been there. I want to thank all the parties involved in this undertaking, for inviting me to participate in this memorial to honor all of our veterans who are buried here with wreaths,” he said. “This is the first time we’ve ever done this, and I think it’s fantastic.”

He added that days like Wreaths Across America remind the public about veterans and teach the next generation why they have certain freedoms.

“I hope we’re doing a good job. Wreaths Across America strives to ensure that no one has been forgotten regardless of how or where they serve, and our goal is to remind us to protect our freedom and the rule of law, both of which are challenged frequently,” Fahey said.

Retired Marine Corps and member of the Catholic War Veterans spoke next about the history of CWV. She sent good will to those buried in the cemetery as well.

In an emotional segment of the program, Gold Star Mom Joyce Paulson spoke on behalf of moms everywhere who lost a child that served. She acknowledged the wreaths help commemorate those who had fallen. She also asked for those laying wreaths in the cemetery to say her own son’s name along with their lost loved ones.

Each branch of the military laid a wreath at their respective flags and family members of those buried veterans in the cemetery were given a wreath to lay.