Saint Ignatius of Loyola Parish
Representatives from the three tribes: the Southern Ute, Ute Mountain Ute and Northern Ute gathered around the Southern Ute Veterans Memorial Park on Memorial Day to remember and honor the service members who gave their life in defense of our nation. The ceremony started at 10:00am with an introduction by the commander of the Ute Veteran Association followed by a traditional invocation in Ute, prayed by Terry Knight, the Sundance and Beardance chief of Towaoc. During the ceremony, Commander Howard Richards, reminded those present the need to rekindle the fire of patriotism by honoring the sacrifice of those who died while serving in the armed forces. After recognizing the service of several members of the community and presenting them with traditional gifts, guided by our veterans in the Warriors Walk, we processed to Ouray Cemetery where Rev. Fr. Cesar Arras, CR, lead a prayer and blessing for the honored deceased. The ceremony was concluded with a meal for all those present.
