Veterans and Artesians gathered at the Veterans Memorial at Artesia Park to honor those who served in the military on the morning of November 9. There were approximately 200 people in attendance.
While the ceremony acknowledge all veterans, there was a special focus on Vietnam veterans. Mayor Sally Flowers said, "Unfortunately many Vietnam veterans had to fight and struggle for the benefits and respect they deserved for serving their country."
"Their sacrifice," Flowers continued, "led the way to many changes that benefited future generations of service members and changed the way the public views military personnel."
Navy veteran Felix Franklin, Jr. shared a story about the flag while serving onboard the destroyer USS Henry B. Wilson. After a particularly bad storm he saw the flag in tatters, a sight which had an emotional impact on him. "I made one promise that day, I would never see that flag misused."
For photos of the event, like the official City of Artesia page on Facebook.