04 May Colorado Freedom Memorial to hold first public ceremony since 2019

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Memorial Day Weekend Commemoration Returns to Aurora on Saturday, May 29

April 26, 2021 – Aurora, Colorado – For the first time since Memorial Day Weekend 2019, the Colorado Freedom Memorial Foundation will host a public event on Saturday, May 29 at the Colorado Freedom Memorial (CFM). The Tri County Health Department has announced that COVID-19 restrictions on outdoor events will be lifted effective May 16, removing limits on outdoor event attendance, and allowing the CFM to host a truly “open to the public” Memorial event.

“We originally planned to host our first public event on August 1, but with the restrictions for outdoor events being lifted by Tri County Health, we felt the opportunity presented itself for us to return to our annual tradition of honoring Colorado’s fallen on Memorial Day weekend,” said CFM President and Founder Rick Crandall.  “We have missed paying tribute to the men and women who paid for our freedom with their lives, and we look forward to welcoming those who have supported us from the beginning along with many new friends who have discovered us while home during the pandemic.”

The complete ceremony schedule with times and activities will be listed on the Colorado Freedom Memorial website and social media sites on Friday, April 30th.  The America The Beautiful Men’s Chorus from Colorado Springs will present patriotic selections during the formal ceremony and the Beverly Belle’s will entertain attendee’s as they arrive.  A free Pancake breakfast by Flippin’ Flapjacks, an annual favorite begins at 8:30a with donations to the Colorado Freedom Memorial accepted.  Highlights of this year’s ceremony include the raising of the U.S. Space Force flag for permanent display and the raising of the Colorado National Guard’s 157th INF battle flag.  The 157th INF liberated the Dachau Concentration Camp and Mr. Jack Adler, liberated from Dachau by the 157th, will assist with the flag raising.

“Our ceremony is coming together beautifully considering the short time we have to put something together,” said Crandall.  “We look forward to welcoming people from across the metro area who want to spend part of their Memorial Day Weekend honoring the heroes who are the reason for the weekend.”