November 11 is Veterans Day, a day to thank and celebrate all who have served honorably in our armed forces, both in wartime and in peacetime. The holiday acknowledges and expresses appreciation for those individuals’ contributions and underscores that all those who served have sacrificed for our national security, not only those who died. When the date falls on a weekday, like this year, events for the holiday are often held the weekend before, so more people can participate.

Veterans Concert – Highlands Ranch

The Highlands Ranch Community Association is hosting a Veterans Concert Thursday, November 6, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Highlands Ranch Mansion. Celebrating our heroes with gratitude and song, the evening features patriotic music, moving tributes and community spirit. For more information, visit hrcaonline.org/Events/Details/veterans-concert.

Douglas County Veterans Day Tribute – Castle Rock

Coordinated by the Douglas County Veterans Service Office, the annual Douglas County Veterans Day Tribute will be Saturday, November 8 at 11 a.m. The event will be on the east side of the Douglas County Wilcox Building, 301 Wilcox Street, with the Eagles Club as an alternate location in case of inclement weather. The tribute includes the color guard from American Legion Harry C. Miller Post 1187 and more. For more information, visit facebook.com/DCVeteransService and douglas.co.us/veterans-service-office.

Veterans Day Run, Festival and Parade – Denver

Hosted by Colorado Veterans Project, the 16th Annual Denver Veterans Day Run, Festival and Parade is Saturday November 8 at Denver’s City Park, 2001 Colorado Boulevard.

The Veterans Day Run registration opens at 7:30 a.m. This memorial fun run to celebrate local veterans consists of three components: the 5K run/walk, the 10K run/walk, and the 10K Rippetoe Rucksack Challenge in honor of Army Captain Russell Brian Rippetoe of Arvada, who was killed in action April 3, 2003. The suggested route takes runners along City Park running trails in downtown Denver; 100% of donations go directly to helping Colorado veterans. To register, visit runsignup.com/Race/CO/Denver/DenverVeteransDay before November 3 at 10 a.m., and same day registrations are welcome.

The Veterans Day Festival opens at 9:30 a.m. With something for everyone, the festival includes a beer garden, fun activities for both adults and kids, vendor booths that celebrate veterans and provide resource information and products, food vendors bringing Colorado flavors, and more.

The Veterans Day Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. with a route that circles through City Park. Participants include ROTC, retired military personnel, VFW Legions, National Guard contingents, veterans’ organizations, local high schools, classic and vintage car clubs, and others who want to celebrate and support veterans.

For more information, visit denverveteransday.com. To learn more about Colorado Veterans Project, see the Angels Among Us story on page 13.

For more information on supporting Douglas County veterans, visit douglas.co.us/veterans-service-office or dcvmf.org.

 

By Susan Helton; photo courtesy of the Douglas County Veterans Service Office