Showing support for the community’s many veterans, scores of people lined Montezuma Avenue for the annual Cortez Veteran’s Day Parade on Nov. 11.
Known officially as the Ray Candelaria Memorial Day Parade, the annual event attracted more than 30 entries.
While parade organizers were unable to provide an exact number of those who participated in the event, they estimated that as many as 400 people would participate.
Among the organizations featured in the event was the American Legion Ute Mountain Post No. 75, which provides services to members of the local community.
“We’re not a group that goes out and drinks at the bar,” said longtime Legion member and Korean War veteran George E. Livingston. “We have things that we accomplish and do through donations.”
In addition to the numerous veterans present at the parade, several young people marched, waving flags, playing music and demonstrating their patriotism.
Local bands from Montezuma-Cortez High School and Cortez Middle School were also present to show support.
“It’s nice for veterans to get recognition,” said local resident and Dessert Storm veteran Jim Logan. “It’s important to show the public what we’re about and always remember our fallen comrades.”
According to parade committee co-chair John Shriner, the Cortez Veteran’s Day Parade is an annual tradition that has been taking place for a number of years.
“The purpose of the parade is to honor veterans and give them a chance to get out and waive to the public,” said Shriner. “It causes a lot of visibility and helps the community in every way, including economically.”
Certainly a wonderful tradition, the parade will undoubtedly continue to be a fixture in the Cortez community for years to come.
