Colorado Remembers
'We lift up the memory of those who gave their lives for freedom,' said Chaplain (Lt. Col) Dave Nagel, during the invocation. 'They stood resolute in service, and we humbly gather to honor their unwavering commitment.'
Singing group 'Victory Three' sang the National Anthem, F-16s of the 140th Wing of COANG performed a flyover, and the Honor Bell was tolled.
Among the guest speakers was Rep. Jason Crow, a veteran of the U.S. Army.
'When you go and you serve, and you fight for your country, you leave pieces of yourself where you serve and with the people that you serve and with the people that don't come home, you leave parts of your heart with them,' said Crow. 'We remember because that remembrance helps carry it forward, it helps us heal, it helps the families heal, and it helps instill a sense of patriotism and duty in our country and our community. Duty means we think about those who made the sacrifice, not as any one political party. Not as anybody who subscribed to a certain policy. But as an American who was willing to do it for all of us.'
Survey: Fort Logan among nation's top Memorial Day burial sites
Col. Heidi Dexter is the Commander, Space Base Delta 2, at Buckley Space Force Base.
'We stand before this memorial etched with the names of over 6,000 Coloradans,' said Col. Dexter. 'Each name represents a life, a story, potential. All cut short in service to ideals larger than themselves. We pause to remember the immense cost paid by these individuals whose names are forever etched in our history.'
She reminded everyone, freedom comes with responsibility.
'We are charged to ensure that their stories are told, their memories honored, and their sacrifices repaid through vigilance and virtue,' said Col. Dexter.
This was the 12th annual Colorado Remembers Ceremony, which was presented by the City of Aurora and the Colorado Freedom Memorial Foundation.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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