Benito Martinez Elementary has its 25th Annual Veterans Parade

Benito Martinez Elementary school is celebrating Veterans day early. The school, which is named for a Fort Hancock-born medal of honor winner killed in the Korean conflict, had its 25th annual Veterans day parade this morning.

Kids of all ages marched to the beat of the Montwood High School drum line chanting U.S.A. Some were joined by their veteran parents, and others dressed from head to toe to honor their family members who proudly served and currently serve our country.

Today’s Veterans Day parade not only honored local service men and women, it also paid special tribute to Benito Martinez.

Martinez was an Army corporal who defended his solitary listening post for six hours, killing or wounding numerous north Koreans in a company sized unit that was attacking him. Martinez is buried at Fort Bliss National cemetery.

Benito Martinez principal Greg Hatch said that today’s parade is to help keep the memory alive of those who served for our country.