National Medal of Honor Day & National Vietnam War Veterans Day

LOS LUNAS — The public is invited on Saturday, March 28, as members of Daniel D. Fernandez Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9676 will again celebrate both National Medal of Honor Day and National Vietnam War Veterans Day at their post home in Los Lunas.

These two historical days are significant for VFW Post 9676 members for several reasons. First, because the post is named after Medal of Honor recipient Daniel D. Fernandez, and secondly because 95 percent of our members are veterans who served in the Vietnam War, some of whom were personal friends of Fernandez.

All post members and members of the general public are invited to attend this commemoration of both days. The principal guest speaker will be Fernandez’s brother, Peter, accompanied by his wife, Lollie. Also guest speaking will be John Taylor, local historian and prolific author. Taylor, is the author of the award-winning book “A Legacy of Heroism — New Mexico’s Medal of Honor Recipients” and co-author of the award-winning book “Daniel D. Fernandez — The Man Behind the Medal of Honor.”

Also speaking about his experiences in Vietnam will be Vietnam veteran Jack Lovato, who is a decorated lifetime member, quartermaster and webmaster. Lovato will speak about the “Vietnam Generation and Carrying Vietnam Veterans Memory Forward.” Lastly, Post Adjutant Frank Gurule will speak about his personal experiences and friendship with Fernandez.

This is an annual celebration by VFW Post 9676 members and all veterans and the general public are invited to celebrate these two important days with them.

The event will begin at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, March 28. Door prizes will be given away and finger food and refreshments will be offered.

Eligible veterans are invited to join VFW Post 9676. For information, contact Post Quartermaster Jack Lovato at 505-550-4076 or Post Commander Chet Pino at 505-414-0288.