Memorials dedicated to soldiers and veterans that have been killed or are missing in action range from traditional to unique, and can cover an entire complex. Regardless of their size or scope, these memorials are ultimately designed to allow audiences to reflect and remember the sacrifices that were made. The Colorado Freedom Memorial does both of these things and more in a way that has helped to unite the community and create a legacy that is tied to the past and future of Colorado.
From the Normandy-American Cemetery in France
In May of 2000, Aurora, Colorado radio host Rick Crandall produced a four-hour live broadcast of his morning radio show from the Normandy American Cemetery. This led to questions about how many Colorado veterans had been lost in all of America’s wars, and an idea to create something to honor the Colorado veterans killed in action began to take shape.
Questions about which veterans from which wars should be honored, and it was eventually decided that whatever memorial was built would honor Colorado veterans killed in action from the Spanish-American War through present day, which would celebrate those the died during Colorado statehood. After a successful fundraising endeavor and a scramble to find a fitting home for the Memorial in Aurora, construction finally began in early 2013. The Colorado Freedom Memorial was then officially dedicated three months later.
The design for the Colorado Freedom Memorial is a collection of symbolic and representative metaphors that are intended to resonate with visitors on various levels. The jagged top of the Memorial mimics the surrounding Rocky Mountains, while the seemingly random arrangement of names on the Memorial signifies the chaos of war. The memorials glass panels lean forward and back, representative of men falling in action, while the path, wall design and perimeter of the area all also have symbolic meanings.
All of these elements resonate with viewers on different levels, and that impact is part of the reason it has been able to have such an impact on the community.
Ceremonies, Services and More
The Colorado Freedom Memorial honor roll is comprised of a list of all those persons who made the supreme sacrifice on behalf of their country. There are more than 6,000 people in the database, and initiatives like #TellUsTheirStories allow people to engage with each other and the community to ensure as much about these people and their stories can be captured and preserved.
The Memorial actively engages the community in other ways as well, as anyone can apply to schedule an event to take place at the Colorado Freedom Memorial. Ceremonies, services and a variety of other events take place at the location throughout the year, bringing together people from across the region and country. The benches, pavilion and nearby park provide visitors with plenty of options around what it means to engage with one another and the space.
The Colorado Freedom Memorial Foundation makes it especially easy to donate by mail, online or volunteer, and these donations have allowed the Memorial to survive and thrive. This active support illustrates the powerful impact the Memorial has had on the community that has helped to create a legacy that will endure for a long time.
A Place of Grief and of Healing
With the flags at the memorial permanently at half staff, visitors immediately understand that everything about the Colorado Freedom Memorial is designed to be a display of respect and a tribute to the men and women who are honored on the Memorial’s glass panels that never returned to Colorado. By creating a place of grief and healing, the Colorado Freedom Memorial has become a monument that brings the community together to honor the past while also creating a powerful legacy for the future.
