Page 23 - November 2017 The Castle Pines Connection proof 7

Celebrating
By John Basche
Of cially November 11 this year, Veteran’s organizations around Douglas County and the Denver metro area are hosting a number of events in observance and remembrance to honor those who have served our armed forces. While for many of us Veteran’s Day has always been marked by a parade in our local community, this year in Colorado there are a few unique celebrations that allow us to support the many veterans and organizations that call Colorado home.
Douglas County Veteran’s Day Tribute
Close to home, for those looking to show our gratitude to local community veterans for
their service, the Douglas County Veteran’s Monument Foundation along with the Douglas County Of ce of Veteran’s Affairs will be hosting a Veteran’s Day Tribute on Saturday, November 11 at 11a.m. at Fourth and Wilcox at the Douglas County Veteran’s Monument Plaza in downtown Castle Rock. This program will feature a special remembrance and will honor all veterans past and present with a keynote address from George Brauchler, district attorney, 18th Judicial District and member of the Colorado National Guard.
Denver Civic Center – Veteran’s Day Parade
For those looking to get their little ones outside and on their shoulders for a chance to see
some traditional military parade pageantry, the Colorado Veteran’s Project will be sponsoring
a parade and festival in downtown Denver
at 10 a.m. on the morning of November 11. Following a semi-circuitous route down Colfax and around the Civic Center, Denver Library and Denver Art Museum complex, the parade route through nearby streets will provide many vantage points to catch this year’s themed procession of “Wars throughout our Nation’s history.” Presented in historic serials, the parade will march through the streets of Denver with historic representations from each individual con ict from the American Revolutionary War through to present day service, with vintage era uniforms, vehicles and military memorabilia.
Veteran’s Day Festival
Immediately after the parade from noon to
3:30 p.m., family and friends can follow the parade veterans over to Civic Center Park for
a free Veteran’s day festival. Organized as a family-oriented afternoon where participants can continue to show their appreciation for
our nation’s heroes, the festival will be set
up fairgrounds style with displays of military vehicles, historic military displays, and veteran’s group booths. In addition, supporting activities like a car show area, food trucks and Veteran’s Day corporate sponsored booths will be available to make the event even more enjoyable for younger patriot’s attending.
CastlePinesConnection.com 23 Veteran’s Day 5K/10K – City Park, Denver
For those looking to acknowledge our veteran heroes in a more active way, there will be a 5K/10K run at City Park on November 5 at 8 a.m. Also, organized by the Colorado Veteran’s Project, the “Denver Run for Veteran’s Day” is open to runners, walkers and yes, even those canine family members looking to express
their patriotic paws in support of our veterans. Hosted by Denver Mayor Hancock, this charity run features the unique quali cation that 100 percent of all registration fees and any donations will go directly to the Colorado Veteran’s Project charity, an organization committed to hosting events that raise funds and awareness for veterans and veteran’s support organizations.
For more information on supporting local Douglas County veteran’s efforts and events, visit www.douglasveterans.org or www.dcvmf. org. To learn more about the Veteran’s Day Parade and Festival or 5K in downtown Denver, visit www.denverveteransday.com.