ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Two veteran brothers from the San Felipe Pueblo here in New Mexico are laid to rest next to one another in Luxembourg. Their spirits, however, live on in the stories told from generation to generation.
Ernestine Overfield listened with both joy and sadness to the story of her uncle, World War II veteran Macedonio Duran. “Macedonio’s 16th infantry served in some of the bloodiest battles of the war,” read Kevin Callahan, author of Brothers in Arms.
Also hearing the story of his brother was Jose Duran. “He and Macedonio were the same height and weight. 5 Foot 8, 145 pounds,” read Callahan.
And their brother-in-law, Kinsey Yazza. “He was a star athlete in high school, one of the four horsemen of the Albuquerque Indian School,” read Callahan.
Marie Acoya said in her culture, they believe spiritual powers have no limits, as she remembers her family members, “And I’m sure right now, they’re sensing spiritually what is being done for them today.”
The Duran Brothers are one of 286 sets of brothers documented in Kevin Callahan’s book, Brothers in Arms. “It was a surprise and a shock at first, what, six years ago or so, when he came out to visit. And it was amazing how he was able to track us down,” said Acoya.
Callahan presented a commemorative medal to Overfield and Acoya, two of the surviving members of the Duran family. “You know, we mourn these brothers and we’re sad for these families, but we should also be celebrating their sacrifice,” said Callahan.
Acoya explains what it means to have their family’s story preserved and celebrated, saying, “It’s emotionally touching.”
Acoya went on to say, “I knew then, back then, because my grandparents talked about it, that there were two uncles that went to war and never came back.”
Their family members said that telling their story helps to bring them closure. “It helps to overcome the grief,” Acoya told Callahan.
The memory of the brothers lives on, “Their spirits are welcomed and remembered every Day of the Dead at Lupe’s house in San Felipe Pueblo,” read Callahan.
Callahan said there are many more stories like the Duran brothers out there, and he has made it his mission to find them.
