Las Cruces Electric Light Parade Grand Marshal Named

LAS CRUCES – Master Sergeant Melissa Gonzales has been named Grand Marshal for the City of Las Cruces Electric Light Parade.

The parade is scheduled for July 3rd, with this year’s theme, “Stars, Stripes and City Lights.”

Gonzales, a New Mexico native, enlisted in the New Mexico Army National Guard in 2007 as a Motor Transport Operator. She has served in several leadership and operational roles, including assignments with the 1st Battalion, 200th Infantry Regiment and the Recruiting and Retention Battalion.

She currently serves as Section Chief for the Outlaws Recruiting Team in Las Cruces, where she works with local youth and community members interested in opportunities with the New Mexico National Guard.

City officials said Gonzales was selected in recognition of her military service, leadership, and community involvement, as well as the historic contributions of women in the United States military.

As part of this year’s celebration, the city is also encouraging community members to visit Veterans Park, where a new statue honors Mary Edwards Walker, the only woman in U.S. history to receive the Medal of Honor.

The Electric Light Parade is one of Las Cruces’ traditional Independence Day celebrations and is expected to bring the community together for patriotism, unity, and local pride.