DENVER – Monday will mark the 151st anniversary of what we now know as Memorial Day.
The federal holiday commemorates U.S. Service Members who have died while on active duty, and Colorado will hold many events across the state to honor the memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Below, a few places that will hold events including parades, ceremonies and more.
1. Memorial Day Run and March
Saturday, May 25 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Castle Rock
The Memorial Day Run & March invites civilians, veterans and uniformed military to challenge themselves in friendly competition while helping feed homeless veterans in Colorado.
Kids 12 and under get free entry to the Douglas County Fairgrounds and any of the three routs at the run and march. There will also be live music, a freedom fest with beer, vendors and food trucks, as well as military displays.
Register here. The event runs from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2. Colorado Remembers
Saturday, May 25 at the Colorado Freedom Memorial in Aurora
Colorado Remembers commemorates those who have served in the military and have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
There will be a helicopter flyover, music by the Mile High Normandy Chorus, a traveling museum from the Rocky Mountain Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, several vehicles from the Military Vehicle Collectors Club of Colorado, the fabulous Beverly Belles and of course, tours of the Colorado Freedom Memorial.
The ceremony will also remember the 75th anniversary of D-Day. It stars at 8 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m.
3. 20th annual Veterans Memorial Day Tribute Ceremony
Saturday, May 25 at the POF Hall, 1340 Sherman St. in Denver
The 20th annual Veterans Memorial Day Tribute Ceremony will hold a formal ceremony honoring fallen military heroes past and present.
There will be a posting of the colors, wreath laying by veterans of past wars, a reading of the names with the Navy bell, bag pipes, as well as other beautiful music.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information call (303) 912-9980. It starts at 10 a.m. and goes ‘til noon.
4. Memorial Day Weekend Parade
Saturday, May 25 in Westcliffe
Westcliffe will have a Memorial Day Parade at 10 a.m., as well as family-friendly activities.
The parade starts at or around 10 a.m. on Main Street.
5. Memorial Day service at Fort Logan National Cemetery
Monday, May 27 in Denver
Coloradans are invited to honor our fallen heroes during the annual Memorial Day service at Fort Logan National Cemetery.
Volunteers will be pinning flags to the more than 100,000 headstones at the national cemetery starting at 9 a.m.
The ceremony starts at 11 a.m.
6. Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 27 in Commerce City
Military units, bands, floats and antique car clubs descend upon Commerce City for the city’s annual Memorial Day Parade – billed the state’s largest, in order to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country.
The 55th anniversary parade starts at 9:30 a.m. and begins at E. 64th Ave. and Newport St. and ends at 6060 E. Parkway Drive. The parade lasts approximately two hours.
Prior to the parade, at around 8:45 a.m., the city will host a ceremony at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 6015 Forest Drive, to honor the men and women who have died serving our country.
Both events are free and open to the public.
7. Evergreen Heritage Memorial Day Commemoration
Monday, May 27 in Colorado Springs
You’re invited to attend the Evergreen Cemetery Benevolent Society at Evergreen Cemetery for their annual Memorial Day commemoration.
Visitors are invited to visit this year’s expanded historic displays and educations tables inside the Evergreen Chapel, located inside the cemetery.
There will be a 10th U.S. Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers Commemoration starting at 11 a.m. and a Memorial Butterfly release at around noon.
This event is free and open to the public.
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BONUS:
Memorial Day Parade and Celebration
Monday, May 17 in Grand Lake
A Memorial Day Parade and ceremony will honor the veterans who have paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy in this country.
The parade usually starts at 10 a.m. and ends at around 1 p.m.
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