In the heart of Tularosa, where mesas meet memory and the school gym becomes sacred ground, Veterans Day was not merely observed—it was lived. On November 11, 2025, Tularosa High School hosted a ceremony that stitched together history, honor, and hospitality in a way only a small town can.

The morning began with the Posting of the Colors, a moment of solemn pride that set the tone for what would follow: a tapestry of tribute woven by students, elders, and veterans alike. As the United States Army Field Band’s rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” played on screen, the room stood still—young and old, civilian and soldier—united in reverence.

Dave Lozano, guest speaker and veteran of the Desert War, offered an introduction that was more invocation than speech. His words, grounded in experience and lifted by hope, reminded the audience that service is not just sacrifice—it’s legacy.

Then came Red Skelton’s “Pledge of Allegiance”, a video that brought laughter and tears, followed by an earnest explanation of Veterans Day from the student presenters. MaKenzi Rice, winner of the Veterans Day Essay Contest, read her piece with quiet conviction, her voice carrying the weight of gratitude across generations.

The National Honor Society students took the stage next, each reciting the story of a war—World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan—not as distant history, but as lived reality. Their readings were not performances; they were offerings.

A POW/MIA Table Set for One stood nearby, its symbolism explained with care. And then, as Ray Charles’ “America the Beautiful” filled the room, the ceremony turned toward biography.

One by one, veterans were honored:

• Coach Bob Sepulveda, Korean War veteran and local coaching legend

• Ron Castle, Vietnam War

• David Lozano, Desert War

• Chad Lozano, Iraq War

• Shane Graves, Afghanistan War

Each name was spoken with reverence. Each story, a thread in the fabric of Tularosa’s and the regions collective memory.

Then came the Armed Forces Medley. As each branch’s anthem played, veterans and active duty members stood—some slowly, some proudly, all remembered. The applause was thunderous, but it was the silence between songs that said the most.

The ceremony concluded with “Taps,” played by Mike, a student whose bugle notes rose like prayer into the rafters.

And then, the meal.

Prepared by the Tularosa High School Native Club, the reception was a feast of gratitude. Fresh breads were made on the spot—warm, fragrant, and symbolic of the community’s care. Veterans broke bread with students, stories flowed, and the cafeteria became a place of communion.

Coach Bob Sepulveda said of the Tularosa High School Veterans Day ceremony:
“We didn’t serve for medals or monuments. We served so our kids could grow up free—and today, seeing these students honor us, that’s the real reward.”

This sentiment, shared by Sepulveda—a Korean War veteran age 90, and longtime award winning coach Alamogordo Tiger Coach—captured the emotional heart of the ceremony. His presence bridged generations, reminding attendees that service is not just a chapter in history, but a living legacy carried forward by community and youth.

It was a day to remember. Not just for the veterans, but for every student who now carries their stories forward. In Tularosa, remembrance is not passive—it’s participatory. And on this Veterans Day, the past was not just honored. It was embraced.

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