Sgt. First Class Ray Adam Archuletta, a native of Florence who was a decorated Vietnam War veteran and who died in that war, will be remembered with the dedication of memorial signs designating Colo. 115 near Florence in his honor.

The Colorado State Legislature paved the way for this recognition in April 2019 when it adopted House Joint Resolution 19-1012, providing that a State Highway in Florence, Colorado will be dedicated in honor of SFC Archuletta. Honorable State Senator Leroy Garcia and State Representative Donald Valdez sponsored this legislation.

Born and raised in Florence, SFC Archuletta was a graduate of Florence High School. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1954 and served until his death in 1967. During his military career, he received numerous awards including:• Two Purple Hearts• Three Silver Star Medals (Silver, First Oak Leaf Cluster, and Second Oak Leaf Cluster)• Bronze Star for Heroism

The City of Florence has embraced this Resolution and will rename a park “SFC Ray Adam Archuletta and Other Veterans.” Currently, the park is officially known as “Husky Park,” also known as “Skater Park.” Many family and friends are proud to memorialize these honors on a life dedicated to service to family, community and country. His parents, Michael Tony and Flora Archuletta, lived in Florence since the early 1900s and chose to work and raise their family there until their deaths. The Archuletta family moved to southern Colorado when it was a territory.

In addition to SFC Archuletta, his surviving brothers Retired MSG James Archuletta, Louis Richard Archuletta and Michael T. Archuletta also served in the Army during the Vietnam era.

A dedication ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at the Rialto Theater at 209 W. Main St. in Florence. A virtual option also is available through Zoom. RSVP to Frances Natividad Coleman at 303-935-2260 to obtain the Zoom link.

The family continues to raise funds to cover the dedication expenses. Contributions are appreciated and can be sent to Rick Archuletta. For more information, call 719-429-7421.

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