May 2, 2024 – Aurora, Colorado –  This Memorial Day weekend, the Colorado Freedom Memorial will present the 11th Annual Colorado Remembers ceremony, a community event honoring generations of Colorado’s fallen veterans as well as those still serving today.

“The event is becoming one of the largest Memorial Day weekend tributes to the fallen in Colorado and this year there will be much to see and experience with all the artifacts and exhibits we have planned in addition to the actual Colorado Remembers Ceremony,” said Colorado Freedom Memorial founder, Rick Crandall.

Presented by the City of Aurora and the Colorado Freedom Memorial Foundation, festivities begin at 8 a.m. with a free pancake breakfast and music from members of the Colorado National Guard 101st Army Band.

The Remembrance Ceremony begins at 10 a.m., and will feature an F-16 flyover by the 140th Wing of the Colorado Air National Guard, a presentation the USS Arizona Relic, and recognition of all WWII and Vietnam Veterans who may be in attendance.

Following the ceremony, the Memorial will be open to guided or self-guided tours and free roses will be available to lay at the Memorial. The Vietnam Helicopter War Museum returns to the Memorial and will be open for tours after the ceremony, as will special exhibits from History Colorado and the Military Vehicle Collectors of Colorado.  The USS Arizona relic will be on display for viewing as well.

“This year marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day and we’re inviting all WWII veterans and their families to join us, so that we may thank them for their remarkable service,” said Crandall.  “If you are a WWII vet, or family member, please call the CFM Office at 303-248-3990 to let us know you plan to attend so we can reserve seats for you.”

“We’re also inviting all Vietnam Veterans to join us, to be recognized and thanked during our ceremony with a very hearty “Welcome Home” in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the US withdrawal from Vietnam in 1973.”

Agenda for Saturday, May 25:

8 – 10 a.m.
Free Pancake Breakfast, donations to CFM welcome
Vietnam Helicopter War Museum
United States Air Force Academy Falcon and Handler
Music by Colorado National Guard 101st Army Band
Military artifact exhibits

10 – 11 a.m.
Colorado Remembers Ceremony
F-16 Flyover
Presentation of USS Arizona relic
Tolling of Honor Bell
Wreath Laying

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Vietnam Helicopter War Museum tours
USS Arizona Relic on display
Military Vehicle Collectors of Colorado Vehicles on display
History Colorado Exhibit