ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Speakers at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial honored fallen service members and Gold Star families during a Memorial Day ceremony marking the memorial’s 30th anniversary.

Dozens gathered at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial for the tribute, which included bagpipes, a 21-gun salute and Taps.

Col. Justin Secrest, wing and installation commander at Kirtland Air Force Base, said, “For most Americans, Memorial Day is just another day on the calendar, a single day to pause and reflect. But for Gold Star Families every day is Memorial Day.”

The ceremony honored men and women from New Mexico who died while serving in the military and recognized the lasting loss their families carry.

U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, D-N.M., said, “It is not lost on me that I have the opportunity to address you today as a first generation American because of the sacrifices of those that are here and those who have served.”

U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., said, “Today’s about lifting up their memories, not forgetting about those who have served, whether we knew them personally as family or neighbors or maybe we didn’t know them but once we learn their name, we’ll never forget them.”

The Memorial Day ceremony closed with music and tributes focused on service, sacrifice and remembrance.