y
MONTE VISTA — Last Saturday the community of Monte Vista lined the streets to observe the city’s annual Veterans Day parade. The weather was wonderful for the parade and the tribute that followed at Faith Hinkley Veterans Memorial Park. Korean War veteran and U.S. Army Ranger captain, Eugene Farish, gave the main address at the event.
Farish told those listening that the Monte Vista community is unique as it has one of the largest percentages per capita of veterans and families of those killed in action of any small town in America. One of the reasons for this is because of Home Lake which is home to many veterans from World War II to recent conflicts.
Many of the local veterans from Home Lake and the Valley were present at the tribute. Farish took the opportunity to share some of these local heroes’ stories from each conflict. He told their stories from World War II to this day. Including the story of Faith Renee Hinkley who the Veterans Memorial Park is named. Sargent Hinkley bravely gave her life for her country in 2010. Sargent Glen Edward Martinez who has a dedication plaque alongside Hinkley also sacrificed his life for his country in 2008. Both Hinkley’s and Martinez’s families were asked to stand to recognize their sacrifice.
After some scripture reading and prayers by local minsters, a bell was tolled five times for each branch of the military. Following the tolling of the bell bag pipes played the song Amazing Grace. The tribute concluded by inviting anyone with someone past or present in the military to come up and toll the bell and then say their name and what branch they served in. The bell tolled over and over again for our local heroes.

Rebecca Copley is a San Luis Valley native who covers news stories in the Monte Vista, Colorado area. She can be reached by email at [email protected]