Commissioners recognize WWII veteran

May 3, 2019

Photo courtesy of Bobbie Hatton The Rio Grande County Board of County Commissioners honored Virgil Simon Off by adding his name to the memorials in Del Norte and Homelake for Rio Grande County citizens who served in World War II. Off was on the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor during the surprise attack in 1941.

Honoring a story never told, the Rio Grande County Board of County Commissioners opened their meeting on Wednesday, April 24 with a presentation from Suzanne and Gordon Off recognizing Virgil Simon Off for his service in World War II. Adding Virgil’s name to the dedication in the Rio Grande County courthouse and memorial wall at Home Lake finally honors the man who perished when the USS Arizona suffered a surprise attack in Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

“We had a nice little ceremony today,” noted Commissioner and Board Chairperson Suzanne Bothell before kicking off official discussions. Born in Del Norte, Virgil served in the U.S. Navy and received the Pacific Fleet assignment aboard the USS Arizona in Hawaii. County staff and local residents attended the commemoration before the regularly scheduled meeting.

Read full story.... Commissioners recognize WWII veteran

Teresa de Jesus Vigil book signing

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