Members of Bayfield American Legion Post 143 dedicated the new Veterans' Memorial at Pine River Cemetery Saturday morning. They also marked the 50th anniversary of the start of the Vietnam war, in which many of the post members served.
Several members of the Southern Ute Veterans Association also attended.
Among the community members attending were two World War II veterans, Darwin Kinney and Jim Danilledes, and Korean war veteran Gerald Horton. They all live at Evenings Porch Assisted Living.
Post president Richard Schleeter, a Gulf War veteran, was master of ceremonies. He also is the county's Veterans' Service Officer.
Post member Tony Schrier teared up as he read a poem about a soldier's combat experience of losing an arm and a buddy.
Southern Ute Veterans member Howard Richards played "Taps."
The American Legion members have been raising money for more than a year to build the memorial. That has included selling commemorative bricks with the name of valley veterans or contributing organizations. They will be mounted on two walls at the back of the memorial. The U.S., POW and Colorado flags will fly 24 hours a day and will be lighted at night.
