Remembering

Have you ever driven down a road, noticed an old cemetery, and wondered how old it was or if someone famous was buried there? And what about that statue in the park where you walk the dog every day? Do you know why it's there or when it was built? Maybe you're an out-of-state traveler and you've climbed to the top of the Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque or visited the Vietnam Memorial in Angel Fire. Do you know the histories of these extraordinary monuments? New Mexico is fortunate in having more than its fair share of cemeteries, monuments, and memorials. They are in parks, on hill tops, and along highways. Some are small; some are large. Some commemorate the state's ancestors; others its warriors and veterans. A few even poke fun at life and its absurdities. This book is not about death and dying. It is about remembering. Within its pages, you will find descriptions and directions to some of New Mexico's unique, sometimes controversial, cemeteries, monuments, and memorials as well as a beginner's guide to tracing your family roots and information about the importance of protecting and preserving our diverse history, rich heritage, and priceless resources. MARGARET NAVA retired to New Mexico because of its beauty, culture, and history. When not traveling around the state looking for little-known or unusual travel destinations, she sits in front of her computer writing about the places she discovers. Her first book, "Along the High Road," was also published by Sunstone Press.