Military & Veterans Day at the State Fair is September 11

Free Admission for Veterans, Retirees, Guard/Reserve/Active-Duty Personnel

By NMDVS

Military veterans and National Guard/Reserve/active-duty personnel will be admitted free to the New Mexico State Fair for Military and Veterans Day at the State Fair on Tuesday, September 11.

This annual day at the state fair in Albuquerque is presented by the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services, the New Mexico National Guard, and the New Mexico State Fair to honor and thank the men and women who have served our country as members of the United States Armed Forces.

Veterans, National Guard/Reserve personnel, and retirees must present either a valid Uniformed Services Retiree Identification Card, a veterans-designation driver’s license, VA Veterans Health ID Card, or a copy of their DD-214 Separation Papers at the gate in order to obtain the free admission. Active-duty personnel must show a valid Uniformed Services ID card.

Non-veteran/non-military spouses or family members are not eligible for the free admission.

In addition to the numerous rides and attractions at the state fair, there will be dozens of booths, exhibits and information tables along “Main Street” staffed by the New Mexico National Guard, veterans’ organizations, and other community service groups.

At 11 o’clock, a brief ceremony on the main stage will highlight this year’s theme—Navy Week/A Salute to the U.S. Navy–along with a special presentation from the Navy. The Keynote Address will be delivered by U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Mark Bipes, Deputy Commander, Navy Medicine West & Deputy Director/ Medical Service Corps based in San Diego, CA.

Members from the Gold Star Mothers of New Mexico will then read the names of the 87 New Mexicans killed in action since the Global War on Terror commenced shortly after the 9/11 Terror Attacks in New York and Washington, D.C.

Special Ceremony Marking the 9/11 Terror Attack

Following the ceremony, a second ceremony will commence to observe the 17^th anniversary of the 9/11 Terror Attacks. U.S. Navy Cmdr. Jim Morrow, the Commanding Officer of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS New Mexico, will give the Keynote Address.

Fairground gates open at 10am.  Parking is available at Gates 1 and 8. Parking fees start at $5.00, with preferred parking available as well.  General parking is also available in parking lots off Louisiana and Central Avenues.