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Gabriel Munoz, left, presents an award to Ray Ramirez for his 50 years of service to the Superior VFW. Mila Besich-Lira | Sun
Superior Sun
On Sunday, the Superior Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and the Ladies Auxiliary hosted the annual Veterans Day Ceremony. The ceremony included the placing of the wreaths to remember the Prisoners of War and Killed in Action, and the significance of the POW/MIA table.
There was also a special recognition given during this year’s ceremony to honor Ray Ramirez for his 50 years of service to the local VFW Truman Post. Ramirez said he was honored and has always enjoyed serving the post. “I am at a loss for words,” he said.
Mike Urquijo was the master of ceremonies for the event and this year there were several speakers invited to speak including Senator Barbara McGuire, Justice of the Peace Larry Bravo, Councilmember Mila Besich-Lira and Mayor Jayme Valenzuela. Each of the four speakers spoke of the significance of Veterans Day and how it is important to support the troops when they return home from war.
Senator McGuire spoke of her family’s involvement in the military; she thanked the troops and veterans for their service. McGuire stated that serving on the Senate Safety Committee is rewarding because they often deal with issues that support the military. “Our veterans deserve more than just a salute, they deserve a country that serves them when they return,” she commented in her remarks.
Judge Bravo shared personal experience as the proud father; his son has been in the Airforce for 15 years. He spoke of the hardship it is for he and his wife to not see their grandchildren. He thanked the veterans and troops during his speech, “Our country is beautiful, your service provides us comfort,” he said during his thank you.
Mayor Jayme Valenzuela thanked the veterans of Superior for their service on behalf of the entire town council. He encouraged the veterans and their families to reach out to the town if they needed support and he also asked that everyone take time to think of the parents, spouses and children who are left behind when a service member is deployed.
VFW member, Mike Montiel gave a brief speech on suicide awareness in the veteran and active duty community. His memorial on the corner of Sonora and Heiner drive is a tribute to the 21 veterans who commit suicide each day.
The ceremony was followed by a luncheon provided by the Ladies Auxiliary.
Mila Besich is a resident of Superior with two children. She volunteers for many local organizations. She is an experienced fundraiser and event planner for Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition. She covers some of the area town councils and schools.
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