Meet Honoring and Remembering New Mexico Veterans
Honoring and Remembering New Mexico Veterans (HRVNM) is a Santa Fe-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every veteran laid to rest at Santa Fe National Cemetery is honored with a fresh evergreen wreath of honor each December.
Founded in 2019 by Santa Fe native Thomas Vialpando, the organization began as a personal tribute to his father and family members interred at the cemetery. Since then, it has grown into New Mexico’s largest veteran tribute event.
HRVNM is committed to keeping all donations local, ensuring that every dollar stays in New Mexico and directly supports the wreath-laying ceremony and cemetery tribute efforts. The organization operates with complete transparency, allowing donors to track the impact of their contributions.
Mission
To honor and remember every veteran laid to rest at Santa Fe National Cemetery through the annual placement of wreaths, fostering community involvement and ensuring that their service is never forgotten.
Services
- Wreath Sponsorship: Individuals, families, businesses, and organizations can sponsor wreaths to honor veterans. Each wreath costs $17, with package options available. All sponsorships are fully tax-deductible.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are needed for three key events: the wreath escort, placement day, and retrieval day. Activities include escorting the wreath delivery truck, placing wreaths on graves during the December ceremony, and retrieving wreaths in January. Student volunteers can receive service-hour documentation for school requirements.
Upcoming Events
- Wreath Arrival and Escort Event: Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 7:15 a.m.
- Wreath Staging Day for Volunteers: Friday, December 12, 2025, at 12:30 p.m.
- Wreath Placement Day and Memorial Ceremony: Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 10 a.m.
- Wreath Retrieval Day: Saturday, January 17, 2026
All events are held at Santa Fe National Cemetery and are open to the public. Families and children are encouraged to participate.
Help Honor Our Veterans
Your support helps ensure that every veteran at Santa Fe National Cemetery is remembered with dignity and respect. Sponsor a wreath, volunteer your time, or spread the word. Your involvement makes a meaningful difference in honoring the service and sacrifice of New Mexico’s veterans.
Email: [email protected]
