AURORA, Colo. — There’s a quote on every can of Colorado Freedom Memorial Blonde that reads: “know their names, honor their sacrifice.” The beer honors fallen service members by raising money for a memorial that bears their names.

“What we’re inviting people to do is learn who they are, there are 6,128 names of Coloradans killed in action,” said Rick Crandall, Colorado Freedom Memorial Foundation President.

The foundation teamed up with Aurora-based Dry Dock Brewing Company to create and can a special beer. Brewery owner, Kevin DeLange, describes it as a light summer beer that’s perfect to drink from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

“So, for every case sold and every keg sold, we’re donating to the Freedom Memorial. The other great thing is we’re raising awareness of what the Colorado Freedom Memorial is,” said DeLange.

Dry Dock has been part of efforts to fund the memorial from the beginning and helped raise money to build it. As memorial celebrates its fifth anniversary, the beer will be distributed statewide to help pay for ongoing maintenance. The can incorporates official logo for the Colorado Freedom Memorial, including an American flag.  The design required approval from the federal government in order to use the flag. Generals wrote letters of support.

Fun fact: It’s the first beer with an American flag on the can since World War II.

Crandall said he’s proud of the beer and what it represents, as a way to give back to those who gave all. “You know what’s exciting to me is the thought that all summer long when somebody is having a Colorado Freedom Memorial blonde, every time they go to drink it they’re reminded,” said Crandall.

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