As Veterans Day approaches on Nov. 11, military appreciation was a theme at the Nov. 8 Sandoval County Commission meeting.

The meeting began with District 2 Commissioner and Air Force veteran Jay Block announcing the United States Marine Corps celebrates its 248th birthday on Nov. 10 and calling for applause from those in attendance for Marines.

“Happy birthday, thanks for your service, semper fi and go Air Force,” Block said.

District 1 Commissioner Katherine Bruch then talked about the Marines in her life.

“The Marine Corps is near and dear to my heart,” Bruch said. “We have many Marine Corps members in our family retired, deceased and active duty and I just want to do a shout out to my youngest military family member. He was promoted this past year to corporal and on his first deployment, he did receive the joint services Commendation Medal, and I just wanted to say go Michael.”

Bruch then read a proclamation in observance of Nov. 11 being Veterans Day. Bruch was filling in for District 5 Commissioner and Air Force veteran Joshua Jones, who sponsored the proclamation but was out sick.

“The contributions and sacrifices of 10s of millions of brave and selfless Americans, the men and women who serve and have served in the armed forces have been vital in maintaining our freedoms and way of life, and over 1 million Americans have given their lives while serving in the armed forces over the past 250 years,” Bruch said. “The love of country and dedication to duty, America’s veterans have endured adversity, loneliness, fatigue and loss and made other incredible sacrifices, many sustaining life altering physical injuries injuries and disabilities, while others bear the burdens of emotional scars as a remainder of their lives. These veterans understand the important task before the American servicemen and women who are now keeping watch and we owe a great debt to those who have served in defense of this nation, because the freedom we enjoy as Americans has been purchased and maintained at a high price throughout our history. In honor of these dedicated men and women, we pledge to continue defense of our nation so that their sacrifice will stand before the entire world as a tribute to the spirit and determination of people dedicated to the principles of freedom and democracy.”

Bruch then introduced Marine veteran Frank Smith to accept a plaque from the Commission proclaiming Nov. 11 as Veterans Day in Sandoval County.

“Our American veterans, all of us, have a date to pay tribute to the bravery, sacrifice and patriotism of military veterans, acknowledging their contributions to the country’s security and well being,” Smith said. “It serves as a day of honor and to express gratitude to those who have served and continue to serve in the US armed forces, recognizing their dedication and selfless commitment to the nation.”

Kevin Hendricks/Observer.
From left, Jay Block, Frank Smith, Katherine Bruch and Dave Heil pose after the County Commission presented Smith with a plaque on Nov. 8.