A four-year effort of planning and fundraising was realized when the Roosevelt County War Memorial
was dedicated in 2012. The idea of a memorial to honor those from Roosevelt County who died while serving in any war since the
county’s inception was acted on by the Portales High School Class of 1958. When they met in 2008 for their
50th reunion a committee was formed and several class members kicked the fund off with donations.
was dedicated in 2012. The idea of a memorial to honor those from Roosevelt County who died while serving in any war since the
county’s inception was acted on by the Portales High School Class of 1958. When they met in 2008 for their
50th reunion a committee was formed and several class members kicked the fund off with donations.
A War Memorial Committee was appointed and consisted of the following people:
LaWanda Borden Calton- Portales High School class of 57, Larry Smith, Portales High School class of 58, David Stone, Portales High School Class of ‘59.
LaWanda Borden Calton- Portales High School class of 57, Larry Smith, Portales High School class of 58, David Stone, Portales High School Class of ‘59.
The other members of the committee that were instrumental in the success of the memorial were ; Melvetta Walker, Jim Ellison, Jim Standefer, Lester Parrish and Gerry Heybrets and Karl Terry. Larry said the “Roosevelt County commissioners have been very helpful and cooperative from day one. “
According to Larry Smith, War Memorial committee chairman, “From the beginning, one of the most important things for the committee was
that the funds to purchase and erect the memorial be strictly by private donation and fundraising with no grants or taxpayer money used, said Smith.”
The group raised over $24,000 to make that happen.
that the funds to purchase and erect the memorial be strictly by private donation and fundraising with no grants or taxpayer money used, said Smith.”
The group raised over $24,000 to make that happen.
The committee also decided that while it would recognize the dead from numerous wars, special note would be
made of the heavy price Roosevelt County paid in the Bataan Death March at the beginning of World War II.
In addition to those who died on the Death March, the survivors who came home to Roosevelt County are
listed on a separate stone. Melveta Walker was instrumental in completing the research to determine the names of all the Battan Death March
survivors from Roosevelt County.
made of the heavy price Roosevelt County paid in the Bataan Death March at the beginning of World War II.
In addition to those who died on the Death March, the survivors who came home to Roosevelt County are
listed on a separate stone. Melveta Walker was instrumental in completing the research to determine the names of all the Battan Death March
survivors from Roosevelt County.
“The Class of ‘58, whose fathers, uncles and other relatives served in World War II wanted to ensure that later
generations understood the significance of the sacrifices that have been made on their behalf,” Smith said. “I
believe this memorial has done just that.”
generations understood the significance of the sacrifices that have been made on their behalf,” Smith said. “I
believe this memorial has done just that.”
The War Memorial continues to be up-dated with Pavers that are engraved with the name and dates of service to honor
Roosevelt County residents who have served in the Armed Forces. The pavers are added twice a year and can be purchased from The Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce for $125.00.
Roosevelt County residents who have served in the Armed Forces. The pavers are added twice a year and can be purchased from The Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce for $125.00.
Larry Smith said, ” that there are a few blanks left and he would encourage people to contact Karl Terry at the Chamber of Commerce 575-356-8541 if they are interested in purchasing a paver stone to honor a service member. “
So this year when you drive past the War Memorial take notice of the names of the very brave Roosevelt County residents who fought for our freedom.