ALAMOSA — Veterans Day is an especially meaningful day for Donna Gates.

As commander of American Legion Dickey-Springer Post 113 in Alamosa, she comes from a long-standing family tradition of military service in her family that dates back to the American Revolution. She shared some thoughts on what Veterans Day means to her personally, some historical insights, and how Post 113 is planning to observe the day.

For Gates, her story of service began with her father who was in the Air Force. She later followed in his footsteps. Because military service is such a part of her family, she observed that she was raised to love the United States of America and to be “very patriotic.”

Gates also describes herself as “lover of history.” She is proud of her country and she has expressed her respect for the flag, the national anthem, and fellow service members. She also recognizes that the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI makes this year’s Veterans Day particularly significant.

The Alamosa American Legion Dickey-Springer Post 113 got its charter in 1922 and was named for Dickey and Springer, two men who died in France in 1918 during WWI. Gates pointed out that there is really very little known about the two men. Gates consulted the historical society at Homelake and there was nothing that could be found.  The only records of the men that are known of are two photos that hang inside the post and a certificate from France that recognized the death of one. Essentially, the history of the name Dickey-Springer has remained somewhat of a mystery.

Local veterans have been planning the 100th anniversary events since they received the notice from the WWI Commission. On Saturday, November 10th, the annual Alamosa Veterans Day Parade will take place. The march-off will begin at 10:45 a.m. and arrive at the reviewing stand by 11 a.m. There will be a 21-shot salute with the shots ending before 11 to signify the exact time that the “ceasefire” of WWI occurred. The bells at Sacred Heart Church and the First United Methodist will also be tolled to signify the moment.

This event will be one of numerous observances of the anniversary across the nation. Gates is hopeful that the entire San Luis Valley community will come and participate in the events and join the Alamosa American Legion in honoring those who have served.