A 1st Armored Division Band Soldier performs during the Memorial Day ceremony at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso, Texas, May 25, 2020. (Photos by David Poe, USAG Fort Bliss)
Traditions continue
Team Bliss, El Paso VA mark Memorial Day with closed ceremony
By David Poe, USAG Fort Bliss
Adhering to April 15 National Cemeteries Administration guidance that limits graveside activities to curb the spread of coronavirus, Team Bliss joined the El Paso VA Health Care System for a limited-access Memorial Day ceremony at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso, Texas, May 25, 2020.
Although the cemetery was open, the main rostrum area was closed to the public and more than 58,000 people logged on to the internet to view the solemn ceremony by the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division; the Fort Bliss garrison command, and cemetery officials.
Colonel Chad Chalfont, the 2nd ABCT, 1st AD commander, was joined on the rostrum by Col. Allen Staley, the Fort Bliss senior command chaplain; and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Williams, the 2nd ABCT’s command sergeant major; all guests of James Porter, the cemetery’s director.
In addition to the rostrum activities, viewers heard 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment Soldiers fire traditional artillery salutes from a nearby location on Fort Bliss and military helicopter pilots conducted a formation flight over the 83-acre grounds. The El Paso VA teamed up with the Fort Bliss Public Affairs Office to run a dual livestream on the installation’s Facebook page and the local VA Facebook page.
In his opening remarks, Porter said he felt “privileged” to honor the fallen, and with an 80 percent military-veteran workforce, the NCA, a division of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, understands the responsibility of honoring veterans and their families.
“We understand the real purpose of this day,” he said, “to honor the patriots who were lost in battle throughout our history. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has required us to change daily operations and has prevented us from paying tribute the way we normally would.”
Porter said that even if people couldn’t safely remember together this year, they could still, together, remember.
“The most important thing is that we’re joined together to honor these brave Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country -- this is the least we can do for these heroes,” he said, reminding the audience to also remember those on the public health frontlines today and those who’ve lost their lives during the current pandemic.
The VA operates 142 national cemeteries and 33 Soldiers' lots and monument sites.
The Fort Bliss National Cemetery is adjacent to the installation’s main post and dates back to 1883. In 1955, the remains of Lt. Col. William Wallace Smith Bliss were moved from Girod Street Cemetery in New Orleans to the entrance of the cemetery.
Chalfont, who recently led his brigade in a Dynamic Force Employment to Europe in 2019, said he appreciated the opportunity to speak on Memorial Day.
“From the recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq -- back to the American Revolution -- our Soldiers continually put the welfare of the nation, their Army, and their teammates before their own, and we honor those who pay the ultimate price in defense and service to the United States,” the West Point graduate said. “We remember them and many more with gratitude and respect for the selfless service they provided to our country.”
Despite the public health changes in place on Memorial Day this year, Porter said what should never change is El Paso’s commitment to remembering those who’ve served.
“Traditions that go back more than 150 years continue in 2020,” Porter said. “It is vital that we safeguard the legacies of our service members so they continue to live in perpetuity.”
