Memorial Day ceremonies set for Tennessee Pass, Freedom Park in Edwards
Madison Rahhal/Courtesy image
If you’re looking to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the armed forces this Memorial Day, there are a few events scheduled Monday in and around Eagle County.
10th Mountain Division event
The 10th Mountain Division Foundation will present its 66th Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday at 11 a.m. at the 10th Mountain Division Monument on top of Tennessee Pass near Ski Cooper, south of Vail. The event is a Memorial Day tradition and allows guests an opportunity to honor those fallen and see and touch World War II artifacts and equipment provided by the 10th Mountain Division Foundation Living History Group. This year, retired four-star general Stephen J. Townsend will deliver the keynote speech.
Seating is limited in the bleachers, so attendees may want to bring along a lawn chair and dress for the conditions as it can be cooler at that altitude with Tennessee Pass over 10,400 feet in elevation. There will be a casual gathering beforehand, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. with donuts and coffee. Stay for lunch if you’d like, which will be available for purchase after the ceremony at the Ski Cooper base area lodge. For more information, contact Nancy Kramer (n.kramer@10thmdf.org or 970-846-2969) or Jack Breeding (j.breeding@10thmdf.org or 303-898-4566).
Freedom Park Ceremony
The Freedom Park Memorial Committee, Eagle County Veteran Services and VFW Post 10721 will be conducting its 20th annual community ceremony in memory of all veterans of the armed forces and emergency response agencies who have served our country, especially those from Eagle County. This will be at the Freedom Park Memorial American Flagpole Plaza in Edwards on Monday at 3 p.m. at the west side of the pond.
Honor fallen heroes and support the active-duty troops and hometown emergency responders who are serving today. The service will include local dignitaries, veterans, members of Boy Scout Troops 231, Eagle County Civil Air Patrol and soloists singing patriotic songs.
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The keynote speaker is Deacon Mike Williams, U.S. Army, Ret. There will also be a reading of the names of Eagle County heroes who died in the line of duty, including recognition of local Steve Zuckerman who died while serving Vail Mountain Rescue during a mission earlier this year. The program will include recognition of the fragment of limestone from the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon, which is always on display at Freedom Park. For questions, call Pat Hammon of the Freedom Park Committee at 970-390-4686.
Cocktails for Vets
Limbs for Liberty is hosting Cocktails for Vets at Zino Ristorante in Edwards on Monday from 5-7 p.m. The local nonprofit has teamed up with Warriors on Cataract Canyon, which brings together veterans and active military who are learning to live with PTSD and other ailments.
This event will help Limbs for Liberty raise funds to bring over Ukrainian soldiers to participate in a raft trip with U.S. veterans through Cataract Canyon on the Colorado River in Utah. Warriors on Cataract Canyon has been offering this program for 13 years, and this will be the second year Limbs for Liberty is participating. The Ukrainians will learn coping mechanisms to bring home to their fellow brothers in arms. For the price of $30, you get a cocktail, light appetizers and a door prize ticket. Direct inquiries may be sent to info@limbsforliberty.com.
