Lest we forget
Bob Fitzgerald MEMBERS OF the Cortez American Legion honor guard stand at attention Monday during a sunrise service at the Cortez Cemetary. At right, Marine Corps veteran Sen. Jim Dyer addresses a group gathered at the American Legion Hall in Cortez for a service Monday morning.

Ceremonies around Southwest Colorado to commemorate fallen U.S. soldiers were ushered in by record high temperatures this weekend.

Doug Baugh, a weather specialist for the National Weather Service, said Monday that temperatures reached 93 degrees in Cortez on Sunday — beating the May 28, 1951, record of 90 degrees.

"This was based on our cooperative observer network," said Baugh. "Not on the official automated sensor we have in that area."

Baugh said that the scorching, near-record-high heat should continue for the next couple of days, dipping off only slightly towards the end of the week.

"It doesn’t look like there is going to be any precipitation for a while to come," Baugh said.

However, as the week progresses Cortez is expected to see a slight cooling trend with temperatures in the mid 80’s. "These temperatures should be more typical of this time of year," said Baugh.

Dody Williams, an American Legion Auxiliary member in Cortez, said that about 135 area residents braved the heat and attended a Memorial Day breakfast and ceremony at the legion hall.

Among the speakers at the legion hall were Rep. Mark Larson and Sen. Jim Dyer, who shared a heartfelt speech about two of his close friends who were lost as a result of the Vietnam War.

Williams said that she was pleased with the attendance at Monday’s breakfast.

"We had a good turn-out and everybody enjoyed the breakfast," Williams said. "At least, we didn’t hear any complaints."

Following the breakfast, some people from the ceremony headed north to the Dolores River, where a memorial wreath was set afloat.

Memorial Day ceremonies were also held in Mancos and Rico.

A Colorado State Patrol dispatcher reported on Monday that despite the long weekend and rising mercury levels, local residents seem to be remaining cool, calm and collected.