This month’s content sponsor is the Friends of Salinas Pueblo Missions, who invite you to join them for the annual Luminaria de Abó on December 2, 2023. This will be a magical evening with flickering luminaria amongst the historical ruins of the San Gregorio de Abó Mission. There will be a Roman Catholic mass at 4:00 PM, followed by a posada, a traditional reenactment of the Holy Family’s search for lodging practiced in Mexico and Latin America since 1586. The public will be able to tour the grounds of the ruins amidst the flickering luminaria beginning at 5:30 PM, and there will be refreshments for all ages and piñatas for the children. This will be the largest luminaria event in Central New Mexico. For more information, please click this link, visit the Friends of Salinas Pueblo Missions website, or go to the Friends of Salinas Pueblo Missions Facebook page.
Mountainair Elementary School students, faculty, and staff gathered to pay tribute to veterans in a celebration on November 9, 2023. Frito pie greeted a small group of men at the entrance to Mountainair Elementary School. School administrators, faculty, staff and students welcomed these men (while there are many female veterans, none were present for this event) for lunch. The veterans shared their experiences with the students and other guests, to include one Special Forces veteran with over 40 years of military experience.
The highlight of the luncheon was the presentation of handmade cards and American flags by the students to each veteran. These tokens of appreciation symbolized the students’ gratitude for the veterans.
Following the luncheon, a ceremony was held in the school auditorium. Principal Victoria Baca gave a short speech regarding the values that lead service-members to enlist or seek a commission. Afterwards, the students and veterans gathered for photos.
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