September 22, 2010 - Local Artisan Contributes Statue Dedicated to Veterans
“Grace” to Become Prominent Feature at Thornton Veterans Memorial
Sculptor Christopher Romero, well known for his works seen across the Denver metro area, announced he will donate his latest work as a contribution to the Thornton Veterans Memorial project.
Titled “Grace”, the nearly four-foot tall statue of a winged angel releasing a dove with dog tags is an extraordinarily moving piece of artwork. Grace’s outstretched arms symbolize the release of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to this nation. The dog tags carried aloft by a dove provide a visual and emotional representation of those brave men and women.
In announcing the contribution Mr. Romero said, “This is simply about doing what is right to honor our nation’s veterans. Grace belongs at this memorial and I am pleased that she will have a home honoring heroes.”
Romero’s contribution of the sculpture is valued at $12,000 and the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation will be funding the casting and molding estimated at $4,500.
The initial stages of work on “Grace” have been completed and the sculpture is now at the foundry where it will be rendered in bronze, a process estimated to take 90 days. Once complete the statue will be placed with the other features of the Thornton Veterans Memorial located near 136th Avenue and Holly Street.
“Grace will be a central feature of the Thornton Veterans Memorial and adds a human element that quite literally brings tears to your eyes,” Tony Hake, chairman of the foundation said. “On behalf of all veterans we thank Mr. Romero for the generosity he has shown in sharing Grace with the community.”
August 18, 2010 - Mark your calendars and join us for Thornton's September 11th Remembrance Ceremony. September 11, 2001 is a date which is forever etched in the memories of all Americans. The events of that horrible day serve as a reminder of the vigilance that we must maintain to defend our nation and the sacrifices that have been made to keep us safe.
In the wake of the attacks, each year the President of the United States designates September 11th as Patriot Day – a day of remembrance to ensure we never forget the men and women who died on that fateful today. This year we invite everyone to please join us on the 9th anniversary of the attacks at the City of Thornton’s September 11th Remembrance Ceremony.
This event, a joint effort with the City of Thornton, The Thornton Police and Fire Departments and the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation, provides us an opportunity as a community to come together and honor the fallen. Please join us at 9:30am on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at Thornton Community Park (2141 E. 95th Ave) for this special event.
August 4, 2010 - Construction continues on the memorial. Construction of the first phase of the memorial continues at breakneck speed. Just this past week the flagpoles were installed, the surroudning landscaping started taking shape and the electrical work in nearing completion. In the next few weeks the engraved paver bricks purchased by our generous donors will be installed!
Be sure to go by the memorial site and watch the progress. The memorial is located at Thornton Trail Winds Park and Open Space at 136th Avenue and Holly Street. The memorial is west of Holly on 136th, across 136th from Horizon High School. You can't miss it with the adjacent Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center!
You can also see the progress in recent weeks in the slideshow below.
Remeber: What is being built at the current time is but the first phase of what will be one of the premier veterans memorials in the state. We still need your help! To complete the memorial as it is envisioned, contributions from the community are still very much needed.
Larger organizations and businesses may be interesting in becoming a sponsor of the memorial. The benefits of the sponsorship program include naming recognition of features and much more. Please contact us if you are interested for complete details.
Remember that as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, your contributions to the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation are tax deductible!
August 4, 2010 - Join us at the Adams County Fair! Come join the Thornton Veterans Memorial at the Adams County Fair from August 4th to August 8th. TVMF will have a booth in the exhibit hall so be sure to stop by. We will have a lot of great patriotic and veteran related merchandise for sale and all proceeds will benefit the memorial! You can get directions to the fair and learn more about the event on the Adams County Fair website - http://www.adamscountyfair.com.
Can't make it to the fair? Remember that you can shop our online store. Be sure to purchase an engraved paver brick to honor our veterans!
July 26, 2010 - Letters of support for the Thornton Veterans Memorial sought
Dear friends,
It is a very exciting time for the Thornton Veterans Memorial! As you have heard, construction is underway on the first phase of the memorial that will soon be completed. The new location near 136th and Holly is perfect when coupled with the Adams 12 Five Star School District Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center. It has provided us an opportunity to start construction much sooner than what would otherwise be possible.
This is just the start though! This first phase is relatively minimal compared to what we envision for honoring our nation’s veterans and we need your help!
The Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation will be applying for an Adams County Open Space grant at the end of this month. The funds from this grant, if received, would allow us to push forward with a much more substantial second phase of construction by the end of the year. The foundation is pulling out all the stops in our efforts to secure these funds as we prepare our application.
One thing the open space advisory board loves to see with an application is community support. This is where you come in! We are gathering up letters from every organization, business and individual we possibly can for inclusion with our application. This small measure may be crucial to our success.
To that end, we are asking each and every one of you to write a personal letter of support. We further ask that you ask your friends, families and co-workers to write one as well. It doesn’t matter whether they live in the area or not.
At the bottom of this message is a link to a sample letter we created. Feel free to use that to guide what you write or throw it out the window and write your own from scratch. The letters don’t need to be long or detailed – just personal accounts as to why you support the project, what it means to you, etc.
We need these letters within the next week; please write your own and ask others to as soon as possible. You can email them to info@thorntonveteransmemorial.org as an attachment or simply as an email. If you could include your address that would be ideal.
Thank you very much for your continued support of our project and of veterans!
July 8, 2010 - Construction underway on the first phase of the Thornton Veterans Memorial! Center pentagon, flag poles and inlaid star with donor paver bricks mark start of long-needed memorial to our nation’s veterans.
It has been years in the making and thanks to the contributions of area businesses, civic organizations, individuals and the City of Thornton, the Thornton Veterans Memorial is becoming a reality. In the past two weeks preparation of the earth was completed and the foundation for the memorial was poured. The center pentagon is also taking shape and the project is moving along at lightning speed.
What is being built at the current time is but the first phase of what will be one of the premier veterans memorials in the state. We still need your help! To complete the memorial as it is currently envisioned, contributions from the community are still very much needed.
Larger organizations and businesses may be interesting in becoming a sponsor of the memorial. The benefits of the sponsorship program include naming recognition of features and much more. Please contact us if you are interested for complete details.
Remember that as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, your contributions to the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation are tax deductible!
July 8, 2010 - Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation and Adams 12 Five Star School District continue to seek information on graduates that have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to this nation. The group has identified at least seven Adams 12 graduates that were Killed in Action (KIA) and more information on some of these heroes is being sought.
The Fallen Heroes Wall of Honor will be located inside the soon to be completed Adams 12 Five Star Schools Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center and will serve as a tribute for all of our Adams 12 fallen heroes, past and future.
The project, a joint effort between Adams 12 and the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation (TVMF) will provide special recognition for graduates of Adams 12 who were Killed in Action (KIA). Information regarding those students from Adams 12 who made the ultimate sacrifice is being gathered in order to establish the veterans that will be recognized and honored for being the fallen heroes they are to our community and our nation.
Specifically, the group is seeking information on the following:
John Simmons - Army, Vietnam - KIA 1971
Frederick Vigil - Army, Vietnam - KIA 1971
Joseph Denardo - Army, Vietnam - KIA 1972
Floyd Williams - Army, Vietnam - KIA 1968
We are asking classmates, family members or friends to please help us ensure these individuals receive proper recognition for their sacrifice. If you have any information at all about these fallen heroes or any other Adams 12 graduate who was Killed in Action, please contact the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation.
The Foundation has already obtained the information it needs on the following:
Andrew Riedel - Marines, Iraqi Freedom - KIA 2004
Thomas Fuller - Marines, Vietnam - KIA 1969
Larry Branaugh - Army, Vietnam - KIA 1968
July 2, 2010 - Department of Defense identifies Marine casualty from Thornton.
It is with great sadness that we must report that Corporal Larry D. Harris, Jr. of Thornton died yesterday in Afghanistan. The 24-year-old was struck by a roadside bomb while on foot patrol in the Garmsir district of Helmand Province.
From the Associated Press: “The Marine Corps said he was a mortarman assigned to the Marine Expeditionary Force based at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Harris joined the Marines four years ago and was serving on his second combat deployment. He also served in Iraq in 2007. He won several decorations, including a Purple Heart, a Combat Action ribbon and a National Defense Service medal.”
If any of our supporters has more information about Cpl Harris or his family, please contact us here. We would like to ensure Cpl Harris is properly honored.
We thank Corporal Harris for his service and sacrifice – may he rest in peace. The Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation extends its most heartfelt condolences to his family.
July 2, 2010 - Initial round of paver brick sales completed as the dirt starts moving
The initial round of engraved paver brick sales has ended this week as citizens quickly rushed to get their orders in. This first set of bricks will be installed with the first phase of construction of the Thornton Veterans Memorial that has just begun.
You can still get a paver brick! While the deadline has passed for bricks for the initial installation, we are already taking orders for another round of engraved pavers to be installed in the coming months.
July 2, 2010 - Free haircuts Indepdendence Day weekend benefit the Thornton Veterans Memorial.
Thornton Family Barbershop will be honoring our nation's Veterans this weekend as we celebrate the 234th birthday of our Great Nation.
On Friday, July 2nd, between 10am and 4pm and Sunday, July 4th, between 10am and 8pm sales of haircuts will be donated the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation. Those wishing to have the sales of a haircut, style, or shave simply must make an appointment by calling 303-586-6450 or by mentioning the group or foundation to the hairstylist or barber. Thornton Family Barber Shop is hoping to raise $2,000 towards the Thornton’s Veterans Memorial.
As construction begins on the first phase of the memorial, the excitement builds but the Thornton Veterans Memorial still needs your help!
Thornton Family Barbershop is located at 12780 E. Colorado near 128th Blvd and Colorado and can be reached at 303-586-6450. Click here to view a map.
June 22, 2010 - Construction of first phase of memorial due to start in coming weeks; Engraved memorial paver brick ordering deadline set. It is with a great deal of excitement that we are pleased to announce we will be starting construction of the first phase of construction of the memorial in a few short weeks! Recent commitments from area residents, businesses, civic organizations and the City of Thornton have allowed us to reach this important milestone.
The first phase of construction will include the center pentagon, educational signage and flag poles. Further, all paver bricks that have been purchased will be engraved and laid in the memorial and its walkways at this time.
If you haven’t placed your order for a paver brick engraved with the name of a veteran you wish to honor or some other appropriate message, NOW IS THE TIME.
Orders for engraved paver bricks to be included in this initial phase of construction MUST be received by the Thornton Veterans Memorial by no later than the end of the day, Tuesday, June 29th.
May 27, 2010 - Free haircut on Memorial Day weekend benefits the Thornton Veterans Memorial.
Thornton Family Barbershop will be honoring Thornton Veterans this weekend. On Saturday, May 29th, 2010 all sales of haircuts will be donated the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation. Those wishing to have the sales of a haircut, style, or shave simply must make an appointment by calling 303-586-6450 or by mentioning the group or foundation to the hairstylist or barber. Thornton Family Barber Shop is hoping to raise $2,000 towards the Thornton’s Veterans Memorial.
Chief Family Barber Freddy Martinez said “Firstly, We are honored to use this opportunity to give back to those who serve and protect America. Secondly, Thornton is a great place for families and we are happy to be here with this Memorial Day weekend”.
Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation Chairman Tony Hake says, “The City of Thornton has recently came forth with a considerable contribution toward our cause and we are very close to being able to start construction on the center portion of the memorial. We do however still need citizens, businesses and civic organizations to come forward and provide their own signs of commitment to the project.
“Thornton Family Barbershop has shown its commitment to not only the Thornton Veterans Memorial but also to veterans in our community and we truly appreciate it. Together we can make this memorial a reality for our veterans – it is the least that they deserve.”
Thornton Family Barbershop is located at 12780 E. Colorado near 128th Blvd and Colorado and can be reached at 303-586-6450. Click here to view a map.
May 5, 2010 - Announcing the Fallen Heroes Wall of Honor. Adams 12 Five Star Schools and the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation team up to provide special place of honor for Adams 12 graduates who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Click here to learn more about this very special project.
November 10, 2009 -Adams 12 Five Star Schools to name new aquatics center in honor of veterans.The Adams 12 school district will be taking the extraordinary move of naming the new facility named Adams 12 Five Star Schools Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center. The naming of the center in honor of our nations veterans will forever serve as a reminder of the service and sacrifice these brave men and women have made in service to the nation.
The Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation has been having discussions with the district about the naming of the center and we are excited that students and area residents will have such an extraordinary facility bearing a name of honor. We applaud Adams 12 Five Star Schools for their desire to honor veterans in such an exceptional manner and look forward to working with them in the future.
From the press release:
Five Star District honors veterans in naming of new aquatic center
Adams 12 Five Star Schools Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center scheduled to open August 2010
Superintendent Chris Gdowski announced today the districts new aquatic center will be named Adams 12 Five Star Schools Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center. The 50-meter Olympic-size swimming pool with seating for 800 spectators is scheduled to open in August 2010. The district broke ground on the project in June 2009, and its located near 136th Ave. and Holly St. in Thornton.
So many graduates of the Five Star District have served our country, and this is an opportunity for us to honor the sacrifices theyve made to defend our freedoms, said Mark Clark, board of education vice president.
When completed, the Adams 12 Five Star Schools Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center is expected to draw not only local competitions, but state and regional events as well.
Those who visit the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center will learn about the positive impact our graduates and veterans have made on the well-being of this great country, said Dr. Darwin Strickland, board of education secretary.
October 26, 2009 - TVMF to be recognized for the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall event and presentation of the International Festival and Event Association’s Silver Pinnacle Award. Last year's Independence Day celebration in Thornton was truly extraordinary thanks to the display of the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall.
Done in partnership with the City of Thornton, the event has now been recognized by the International Festival and Event Association and was given their Silver Pinnacle Award. This prestigious award for “Best New Event within an Existing Event for the Benefit of a Charity" represents the hallmark of excellence in the festivals
and events industry.
On October 27, 2009 at 7:00pm the Thornton City Council will introduce a resolution recognizing the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation for the event and the award. We thank the city for their help in what was an amazing weekend and look forward to giving the citizens of the north metro area a veterans memorial that they can call their own.
October 6, 2009 - Applebee’s to Host Pancake Breakfast to Benefit Thornton Veterans Memorial. ‘Short Stack for a Tall Cause’ to Help Fund Veterans Memorial.
The Applebee’s restaurant in Northglenn will host a pancake benefit to benefit the Thornton Veterans Memorial. Applebee’s again demonstrates its commitment to the communities in which it conducts business and to ensuring our nation’s veterans have a fitting and proper memorial.
The ‘Short Stack for a Tall Cause’ event is open to the public and all proceeds go to benefit the construction of the Thornton Veterans Memorial. Chairman Tony Hake said, “Getting this memorial built will require the commitment of all Denver area citizens and its businesses and civic groups. We truly appreciate Applebee’s efforts to help us honor our nation’s veterans.”
The event will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2009 from 7:30am to 9:30am at the Northglenn Applebee’s located at 100 West 104th Ave (104th Ave & I-25). Cost for the event is $7.00 and includes a pancake breakfast and coffee or juice.
Tickets can be purchased in advance on the Thornton Veterans Memorial website, by calling the Foundation, or at the door.
To buy the tickets online please click here to go to our online store. Guests can also call 303-563-7046 to arrange tickets. You may buy tickets at the door but the Foundation asks guests to please try to buy tickets in advance so as to have an accurate count to prepare for the meal.
September 16, 2009 - Support the veterans memorial and the Thornton VFW while getting a great meal!
As you may know, Thornton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7945, is sponsoring the American flag pole at the Thornton Veterans Memorial. The post’s veteran members and its Ladies Auxiliary are committed to ensuring our nation’s veterans receive proper recognition for their sacrifices and service.
Now you can help them raise money for their sponsorship which in turn helps fund the construction of the memorial! For the next two Friday’s—September 18th and 25th—the Post will be holding ‘Steak Fry’s’ to raise money for their commitment.
For $8.00, you receive a full steak dinner or for $5.00, a hamburger basket with all the fixings. The only catch is that you have to cook the steak or burger yourself on their grill but that is part of the fun!
The Friday Steak Fry’s are a summer tradition at the VFW. Please come join us for what is sure to be a great time. Both dinners are open to the public! If you have any questions, please contact us.
Event dates: Friday, September 18th * and
Friday, September 25th
Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Location: Thornton Veterans of Foreign Wars,
10217 Quivas St.,
Thornton, CO 80260 (Click here for a map)
* September 18th is also National POW / MIA Recognition Day. At 5:00pm the post will hold its annual remembrance ceremony and the public is welcome to attend.
For more details on the events, please visit our website.
If steak isn’t your thing, how about breakfast?
Perhaps you would prefer to have breakfast? The VFW will also hold a fundraising breakfast on Sunday, September 27th from 8:30am to 11:00am. The cost is $5.00 and all proceeds go to benefit the post’s sponsorship of the flag so please come support the post and the Thornton Veterans Memorial!
July 15, 2009 - Support the Thornton Veterans Memorial by eating at South Philly Cheese Steaks on Saturday!. This Saturday, July 18th, 2009 from 3:00PM to 5:00PM the Thornton South Philly Cheese Steaks will be offering a community fundraiser for the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation and your help would be appreciated. Come on by and support veterans by ordering the 710 deal of two cheese steaks and 2 bags of chips for $7.10. Radio “KNUS” - 710AM and The Thornton Veterans Memorial will be there reminding local residents and visitors of the Thornton Veterans Memorial endeavor to honor all veterans.
The Thornton South Philly Cheese Steaks is located in the Mission Trace Shopping Center at 120th and Colorado (3967 E 120th Ave). You can learn more about South Philly Cheese Steaks and view their great menu on their website at
http://yosouthphillycheesesteaks.com.
July 15, 2009 - Adams 12 opens the new Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center.
The Thornton Veterans Memorial will be at the Adams County Fair from August 5th to August 9th. This annual family tradition features dozens of events, a carnival and many exhibits highlighting Adams County. Best of all, admission is free!
Be sure to look for the Thornton Veterans Memorial space inside the hall. We will be there selling some of our great military related merchandise and updating the community on the project.
You can learn more about the fair and all of the events surrounding it on their website at http://www.adamscountyfair.com
May 20, 2009 - Join TVMF members for Memorial Day. We would like to invite everyone to join us at Olinger Highland Mortuary at I-25 and 104th Avenue (10201 North Grant Street) as Olinger will be hosting their 49th Annual Memorial Day Service at 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, 2009. Click here for a map.
The service will include a bagpiper, Young Marines Color Guard, and a dove release. Thornton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #7945, Northglenn American Legion Post #22 and both organizations' Ladies Auxiliaries will be participating. Refreshments will be served. The Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation will be there and we ask all of our supporters to please take the time to join us and honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for this nation – it is the least we can do!
May 9, 2009 - One family's sacrifice. Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation Vice Chairman Jim Branaugh and his wife Char were recently profiled in the Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel as part of the paper’s series Stories of Service.
The Branaugh family’s story is one of service to this nation and the sacrifices it often requires. It is the story of three brothers serving the nation in its armed forces — one killed in action, one incapacitated and one left to carry on.
April 28, 2009 - Navy Week is coming. Denver's annual Navy Week is scheduled for May 4th through the 10th. This is a great opportunity to get a closer look at the United States Navy, its mission and its people. A number of events will be taking place across the Front Range throughout the week - check it out. Click here for more information.
March 9 , 2009 - TVMF in the Sentinel.The Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel recently featured a story about the Thornton Veterans Memorial project and the contribution from the Thornton Veterans of Foreign Wars. Click here to view it.
February 9 , 2009 - The 2008 Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation Annual Report has been released. This document provides a 'year in review' as well as plans for the coming year for the foundation. Click here to view it.
January 21 , 2009 -Thornton Veterans of Foreign Wars to Sponsor American Flagpole at Veterans Memorial;
Contribution Continues Post 7945’s Commitment to Honoring Veterans
Thornton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7945, one of the north metro area’s premier and oldest veteran service organizations, will be sponsoring the American flagpole at the Thornton Veterans Memorial. The post’s $5,000 contribution will help to ensure that our nation’s veterans receive proper recognition for their sacrifices and efforts and reflects a deep commitment to them by the post’s veteran members and its Ladies Auxiliary.
As a “Freedom Sponsor” of the Thornton Veterans Memorial, the men and women of Post 7945 continue to demonstrate their commitment to not only the Northglenn and Thornton community but also to all servicemen and women and veterans. More than receiving considerable recognition for their contribution, the Post will ensure that all who have paid a high price for our freedom are honored at this extraordinary memorial. Leroy Chavez, Commander of VFW Post 7945 said, “Nothing could be more fitting than the Veterans of Foreign Wars having their name committed in perpetuity to the symbol of our nation – the flag of the United States of America. We are very excited to be part of this amazing project.”
January 21 , 2009 - The Thornton Veterans Memorial is on Facebook! TVMF already has taken our project to new heights with our one-of-a-kind website. Now we are pleased to announce that we have our own Facebook page! It is yet another way to stay up to date on all the latest happenings with the project. Be sure to take a look and become a "fan" of the Thornton Veterans Memorial on Facebook. Click here to view our Facebook page!
December 12 , 2008 - Be sure to look for the Thoronton Veterans Memorial tree at Thornton's WinterFest! The Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation has decorated a tree for the city's annual WinterFest celebration. Be sure to look for what is sure to the be the most patriotic presentation at the festival and vote for our tree in the decorating contest!
November 11 , 2008 - TVMF members salute veterans at events on Veterans Day. Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation members deployed across the city of Thornton for Veterans Day to ensure all were properly recognized. More than 15 veterans at the Alpine Living Center were honored and recognized by foundation members in the first event. Following that, over 75 veterans gathered at Thornton's annual Veterans Day luncheon and TVMF was there to honor them as well.
September 18 , 2008 - Shop TVMF's newly revamped online store!The Thornton Veterans Memorial recently launched a complete redesign of its online store. The site is now more user friendly and best of all, a wide variety of new patriotic and military merchandise is available for ordering. From service branch t-shirts and hats to leather jackets and vests and the new Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Commemorative DVD the store has it all. You can of course make a charitable contribution to the project and purchase engraved paver bricks—our most popular item. Over 225 items are now available and you can pay by credit card or print an order form to be mailed in with a check. Remember that all sales benefit the memorial project!
September 17 , 2008 - Our September email newswletter is now available. Topics include a highlight of our newly revamped online store, a commemorative DVD, and much more. Click here to view the newsletter. If you are interest in receiving our newsletters via email, please click here for more information.
August 22 , 2008 - Tony Hake, Chairman of the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation writes an open letter to the public. Following up on the tremendous success of the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall event, our chairman thanks the community for their support and issues a "call to arms". Please click here to read this important letter.
August 7, 2008 - Thornton Veterans Memorial recognized and endorsed by Adams County Commissioners. On July 23rd, the Adams County Board of Commissioners recognized the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation for its efforts in ensuring our veterans are never forgotten. The Commissioners join other area elected officials including the Thornton City Council, Thornton's entire Colorado legislative delegation, Colorado Secretary of State Mike Coffman, and Congressman Mark Udall in acknowledging the importance of this project.
In part, the resolution reads:
WHEREAS, Adams County would like to take a moment, given the time of the year, to thank all veterans both locally and nationally for the service they have given our country, and to let them know that their dedication, strength and sacrifices will not be forgotten; and
WHEREAS, in addition, Adams County wishes to recognize the significance of the memorial project in the City of Thornton and the Foundation and wishes to recognize them for their commitment to the task.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of County Commissioners, County of Adams, State of Colorado, that the board hereby recognizes and commends our veterans, the City of Thornton for its support of the project and the Veterans Memorial Foundation for their efforts to ensure that our residents always will remember those who serve our country today, those who have served our country in the past and those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
We appreciate Adams County Commissioners Alice Nichol, Larry Pace and Skip Fischer for recognizing the importance of the Thornton Veterans Memorial project and thank them for their support. To read the entire resolution, please click here.
August 5 , 2008 - The next TVMF meeting will be Monday, September 8, 2008 at 7:00pm. . Public attendance and input is welcome and encouraged - please join us! Meeting are held on the first Monday of each month at the Thornton Civic Center (usually in the Training Room). If you have any questions, please contact us.
July 16 , 2008 - Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall event recap and photos posted! We have posted a recap of this incredible weekend and photos of the events.
July 9 , 2008 - An absolutely incredible Independence Day in Thornton! It all began with over 250 motorcycles escorting the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to the Thornton Multipurpose Fields on the morning of July 3rd and continued through the morning of July 7th when the Wall was taken down.
Over the long holiday weekend, tens of thousands of people came to Thornton to see this incredible memorial and to celebrate our nation's independence. This was unlike any 4th of July the city of Thornton has celebrated and we are very excited to have been a part of it. The thank you's are numerous from the sponsors, to the volunteers to the city of Thornton and the city's staff and we appreciate each and every contribution that was made to ensure the success of this tremendous event.
In the next week we will be posting a re-cap of the event along with lots of pictures so please check back soon!
In the meantime, below is a video of news coverage from the event for you to check out. The fact that the event received coverage on all but one of the area television stations speaks volumes to just how special this event was. A special thank you to the city of Thornton Communications Department for recording the news coverage for us.
July 3 , 2008 - The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is Here! Setup was completed on the Wall this afternoon and it is now open for public viewing. We invite everyone to please come out and view this extraordinary memorial.
The Wall is open for public viewing 24 hours a day between now and 8:00am on Monday, July 7th. Information tents are open from 8:00am to 9:00pm daily.
June 26 , 2008 - North Metro Impact Printing Sponsors Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. North Metro Impact Printing, one of the premier print service companies in the area, has presented the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation with a $500.00 in-kind contribution. By providing printing services for the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation and the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall event, Impact is helping to ensure the success of this very special event during Thornton’s annual Independence Day celebration.
June 25 , 2008 - Northglenn / Thornton Rotary Sponsors Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. The Northglenn / Thornton Rotary Club presented the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation with a $500.00 contribution and are volunteering many hours of their personal time to assist at the event. The Rotary continues the fulfillment of their motto, Service Above Self.
June 25 , 2008 - Sportsman's Warehouse Sponsors Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. The Thornton Sportsman’s Warehouse store presented the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation with a $500.00 in-kind contribution. As a “One Star Sponsor” of the event, Sportsman’s Warehouse continues to demonstrate their commitment to not only the community but also to all servicemen and women and veterans.
June 24 , 2008 -O'Meara Ford Becomes One Star Sponsor of Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. O’Meara Ford, Colorado's Oldest Independently Owned & Operated Exclusive Ford Dealer, presented the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation with a $500.00 contribution. This contribution will be used to help the Foundation bring the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to the city during the annual Independence Day event.
June 23 , 2008 - Helicopter War Museum to be At Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. The Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (RMCVHPA) will be showcasing the Helicopter War Museum (HWM) at the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall event from July 3 to July 7. This museum provides an excellent opportunity to be educated on the contributions helicopters and their pilots and crew have made in defense of this nation.
June 10 , 2008 - The Chrysler Foundation to be Host Sponsor of Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall event.
The Chrysler LLC Denver Business Center has donated $8,500, on behalf of The Chrysler Foundation, to the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation in support of the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall event. In doing so, The Chrysler Foundation will be the host sponsor for the event from July 3rd to July 7th 2008.
The Denver Business Center and local Chrysler, Jeep ® and Dodge dealers sought support from the Chrysler Foundation when they learned of this significant event and the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation project. This event would not be possible but for their generous contribution and support. As the “Five Star Sponsor” of the event, The Chrysler Foundation continues to demonstrate their commitment to not only the community but also to all servicemen and women and veterans.
June 10 , 2008 - Kaplan College Becomes Two Star Sponsor of Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. Kaplan College, one of the Denver metro area's leading adult education colleges has proudly joined in supporting our nation's veterans and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Kaplan College continues to demonstrate their commitment to not only the community but also to all servicemen and women and veterans.
June 4 , 2008 - National Guard "Patriot Chopper" to be at Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall event. The National Guard and the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation are proud to announce that the “Patriot Chopper” will be on site at the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall event. The event will draw thousands of visitors, many of them veterans, and the National Guard will be showcasing this extraordinary motorcycle as part of its public outreach efforts.
The construction of the bike, which was unveiled in September 2007 at the Army National Guard Readiness Center in Arlington, Va., was documented on the show “American Chopper.” Built using designs submitted by soldiers, the Patriot Chopper is the first of three motorcycles being built for the Guard by Orange County Choppers.
June 17 , 2008 - The next TVMF meeting will be Monday, June 30, 2008 at 6:30pm. Please note that this meeting will be dedicated to planning for the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall event, will be held a half hour earlier than normal and will be held at the Thornton Multipurpose Fields. Public attendance and input is welcome and encouraged - please join us! If you have any questions, please contact us.
Two additional notes about our meetings:
There will also be a meeting dedicated to the Wall event on Monday, June 30th at 6:30pm at the Northglenn Elks.
Because of the Wall event, there will NOT be a committee meeting in July.
May 23 , 2008 - Memorial Day 2008. The Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation would like to encourage all area residents to join us at Olinger Highland Mortuary, 10201 Grant Street, as they perform their 48th annual Memorial Day celebration. The event takes place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 26, 2008. The celebration will be held with Thornton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7945 and Ladies Auxiliary and Northglenn American Legion Post 22 and Ladies Auxiliary.
President Bush has issued a proclamation naming Monday, May 26, 2008, Memorial Day, a day of prayer for permanent peace. In part the proclamation reads:
Throughout our Nation's history, our course has been secured by brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen. These courageous and selfless warriors have stepped forward to protect the Nation they love, fight for America's highest ideals, and show millions that a future of liberty is possible. Freedoms come at great costs, yet the world has been transformed in unimaginable ways because of the noble service and devotion to duty of these brave individuals. Our country honors the sacrifice made by those who have given their lives to spread the blessings of liberty and lay the foundations of peace, and we mourn their loss.
Today, our service men and women continue to inspire and strengthen our Nation, going above and beyond the call of duty as part of the greatest military the world has ever known. Americans are grateful to all those who have put on our Nation's uniform and to their families, and we will always remember their service and sacrifice for our freedoms.
On this solemn day our country unites to pay tribute to the fallen, who demonstrated the strength of their convictions and paid the cost of freedom. We pray for the members of our Armed Forces and their families, and we ask for God's continued guidance of our country.
May 22 , 2008 - Golf Tournaments, Inc. Sponsors Wall Event. Golf Tournaments, Inc., one of the largest golf cart rental and sales companies in the country, has agreed to donate golf carts for use at the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall event. The carts will be used for a number of tasks during the event but most notably they will be used to transport ill and elderly veterans from the parking facilities to the Wall, thus providing a much needed service to those men and women who have sacrificed for our nation.
May 20 , 2008 - Adams 12 opens the new Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center. Horizons North Credit Union, one of the north metro area’s premier local credit unions, presented the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation with a $500.00 contribution. This contribution will be used to help the Foundation bring the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to the city during the annual Independence Day event.
May 8 , 2008 - Colorado Doorways, Inc. Becomes Two Star Sponsor of Vietnam Wall Event. Colorado Doorways, Inc., Colorado’s largest door and architectural hardware distributor, presented the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation with a $1,000.00 contribution. The company continues to demonstrate their commitment to not only the community but also to all servicemen and women and veterans. Colorado Doorways and its employees believe firmly in giving back to the communities that it serves. Its employees volunteer in many organizations and contributed over $33,000 last year to charity via Mile High United Way.
May 6, 2008 - GeoSpatial Experts to Sponsor Wall Event. GeoSpatial Experts, one of Thornton’s growing number of high-tech companies, presented the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation with a $500.00 contribution. This event would not be possible but for the generous contribution of GeoSpatial Experts and other area businesses and organizations. As a “One Star Sponsor” of the event, GeoSpatial Experts continues to demonstrate their commitment to not only the community but also to all servicemen and women and veterans.
April 28 , 2008 - Disabled American Veterans’ Mobile Service Office to be on Hand at Wall Event. The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation are proud to announce that the DAV’s Mobile Service Office will be on site at the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall event. The event will draw thousands of visitors, many of them veterans, and the DAV will be on hand to educate disabled veterans and their families on specific veterans' benefits and services.
April 23 , 2008 - United Power Becomes Sponsor of Wall Event. United Power, the rural electric cooperative that serve’s Thornton’s new growth areas, presented the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation with a $500.00 contribution. This contribution will be used to help the Foundation bring the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to the city during the annual Independence Day event.
April 21 , 2008 - MetroNorth Newspapers Becomes Two Star Sponsor of Wall Event. The publisher of the Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel, Westminster Window and other community newspapers continues their dedication to the community by contributing to the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall event. As a “Two Star Sponsor” of the event, MetroNorth continues to demonstrate their commitment to not only the communities in which they operate but also to all servicemen and women and veterans.
April 15 , 2008 - American Legion Post 22 Becomes Two Star Sponsor of Wall Event. Northglenn American Legion Post 22, one of the north metro area’s premier veteran service organizations, presented the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation with a $1,000.00 contribution to sponsor the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall event. The members of Post 22 have long served as examples of extraordinary service not only to their country in the military, but also in their community. As a “Two Star Sponsor” of the event, Post 22 continues to demonstrate their commitment to not only the Northglenn and Thornton community but also to all servicemen and women and veterans.
March 27 , 2008 - Hunter Douglas Becomes Three Star Sponsor of Wall Event. Hunter Douglas, Inc., one of Thornton's premier employers has contributed $2,500 to the Foundation's Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall event. With the contribution Hunter Douglas demonstrates their commitment to the communities in which the company operates and also to ensuring our nation's veterans are honored.
March 19 , 2008 - Radisson North Denver Graystone Castle Donates Rooms for Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Managers. The management of the Graystone Castle has generously agreed to provide accommodations while the Wall memorial is in town in July. Janice Leger, Director of Sales for the Graystone Castle said, "we are happy to do this for such a good cause." The Foundation thanks Janice and the Radisson for the generous support as they join other area businesses in supporting and sponsoring the Wall event.
March 10 , 2008 - Learn more about what is happening with the memorial and the Wall event on Comcast Newsmakers. Tony Hake, Chairman of the Foundation, recently did an interview with Anita Lopez for Comcast's Newsmakers program. The interview is airing on Comcast channel 37 (CNN Headline News) every day during the month of March. You can watch the interview below or at the following times:
March 7 , 2008 - Dodge Sign Company becomes Two Star sponsor for the Vietnam Traveling Wall Event. Dodge Sign Company, one of the north Denver metro area’s premier businesses, presented the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation with a $1,000.00 contribution on Wednesday, February 27. Mr. Dodge has been a steadfast supporter of the Thornton Veterans Memorial project since its inception. As a “Two Star Sponsor” of the event and a long standing supporter, Mr. Dodge and Dodge Signs continue to demonstrate their commitment to not only Thornton but also to all servicemen and women and veterans.
February 26 , 2008 - Sun Enterprises, Inc. becomes Two Star sponsor for the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. Sun Enterprises, Inc., one of the nation’s premier motorcycle and power sports dealers and one of Thornton’s oldest businesses, presented the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation with a $1,000.00 contribution on Friday, February 22. This contribution will be used to help the Foundation bring the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to the city and put on a premier event during the annual Independence Day celebration.
January 22, 2008 - Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Coming to Thornton for Independence Day -
Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation Sponsors Memorial.
With great pride and enthusiasm the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation announces Thornton will be the host for the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. The Foundation, working in conjunction with the city of Thornton, has arranged to have this extraordinary memorial present from July 3 to July 7, 2008 - most fittingly during the city’s Independence Day celebration. The Wall will be available for public viewing 24 hours a day on those dates at the multipurpose fields at the Margaret W. Carpenter Recreation Center (11151 Colorado Boulevard, Thornton, CO 80233). Click here to read the full press release.
November 28 , 2007 - Adams County Social Services looking to help military families. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan present military personnel and their families with financial, emotional and family relationship challenges. The Adams County Social Services Department seeks to serve these families through its Military Family Assistance Program.
Army Sergeant Eddie Jeffers wrote a letter to the editor back in February and in it he said, “Even thousands of miles away, in Ramadi, Iraq, the cries and screams and complaints of the ungrateful reach me. In a year, I will be thrust back into society from a life and mentality that doesn’t fit your average man. And then, I will be alone. And then, I will walk down the streets of America, and see the yellow ribbon stickers on the cars of the same people who compare our President to Hitler.”
Sadly, Sergeant Jeffers won’t be walking down the streets of his hometown in a year. At the young and tender age of 23, on September 19, 2007, he was killed in Iraq. He paid the ultimate sacrifice – not only for Americans, but for those that aspire to be like us. He did this despite believing that he would not be appreciated.
And what about those that do come home from this war and those that have from previous ones? What about those without limbs? Those with scars earned on the field of battle? And what about those that bear scars beneath the skin that aren’t visible – the kinds of scars that will come to life in nightmares every night for the rest of their lives?
When their time in the service is over and they try to piece together what's left of themselves, will we be there as a nation to lend a hand? What will we do to help those that have spent years dodging death and those that cradled comrades as they died? Will we honor them and will we help them? Will we turn our backs? Are they simply something to be ashamed of like some odd kind of urban blight that we dare not look at and want to hide from public view? Will we not at least take this one day a year to honor them?
All too often the soldiers, the Marines, the sailors and the airmen stand alone. They stand when others are unwilling or unable. They answer the call to serve while others turn a deaf ear.
God and the Soldier, we adore,
In time of danger, not before.
The danger passed and all things righted,
God is forgotten and the Soldier slighted.
— Rudyard Kipling
We dishonor all veterans when we do not take the time to properly recognize our defenders on this, the one day set aside to ensure they are never forgotten. This Veterans Day let us not forget their sacrifices; let us not slight our veterans.
November 9, 2007 - Veterans Day Events.There are a number of Veterans Day related events in the area this weekend. Please take the time to attend one if you are able.
Northglenn Veterans Day Event. Saturday, November 10, 11:00am. Honor our Veterans with members of American Legion Post 22 of Northglenn in the DL Parsons Theatre located in the Northglenn Recreation Center. There will be a great program honoring all Veterans of all wars. Renowned speaker, Jake Jabs (owner of American Furniture Warehouse) will talk. Some local Desert Storm heroes will join us for you to meet and greet. The Legion’s crack unit of the Honor Guard will fire a 21-gun salute at the Veterans Memorial after the ceremony.
Denver Veterans Day Parade. Saturday, November 10, 10:00am – Noon. Parade will start and end in Civic Center Park and will proceed down surrounding streets. A tribute to veterans will take place in the park immediately following the parade. The parade will proceed via 14th St. to Court Pl. then to 15th St. and Welton St, east to 17th St., then south on Broadway to 14th Ave. The reviewing stand will be located between Colfax and 14th Ave. on Broadway.
Veteran Appreciation Dinner at Thornton Golden Corral. Monday, November 12, 5:00pm – 9:00pm. A free meal will be provided to all active military, reserve & guardsmen personnel as well as all veterans - no ID required. The event is sponsored by the DAV and Golden Corral and this is the 5th year running. The Thornton Golden Corral will have the Horizon Marching Band playing service tunes and most likely the Boy Scouts will be on hand. Older and disabled veterans should arrive early due to crowds.
October 31 , 2007 - Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation Accepts Donation from Larkridge -
$10,000 Donation Pledged to Project . Jordon Perlmutter & Co., developers of the Larkridge retail development, presented the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation with a $5,000 donation today. The donation is part of a larger $10,000 donation to be given to the project over the next six months. We are excited to see more area businesses recognizing how important this project is to the community. Please click here to view the full press release.
October 19 , 2007 - The Thornton Veterans Memorial Endorses ALL Candidates. In an open letter to the community, the Chairman and Vice Chairman encourage all residents to excercise their right to vote.
You can definitely tell the political season is upon us! Ballots are in the mail, candidates are out on the campaign trail, and soon you will be mailing in or turning in your ballots.
The Thornton Veterans Memorial wholeheartedly endorses the political process that represents the very cornerstone of this great nation. We are happy to see so many individuals willing to step forward and run for political office and serve the citizens of Thornton and we endorse all of their efforts. We also encourage everyone to take part in the election – VOTE!
Members of our Foundation are everyday citizens, business leaders, community leaders and yes, political candidates. All of these individuals are completely dedicated to our efforts to honor veterans, no matter who they are. We do need to say though that the Foundation endorses no one candidate over another. The Foundation has made it clear to all of its members and volunteers that any political activities they undertake are done so as a private citizen and not as a member representing the Thornton Veterans Memorial. Any comments they may make in the course of political efforts are their own and do not reflect the Foundation’s views. It is important that area citizens understand this.
The Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation never has and never will support one candidate for political office over another – that is not our place or our mission. We do however encourage you to exercise your right to vote - a right that has been provided by every veteran that has served, defended and even died, to protect. Educate yourself and learn about all the candidates and all the issues. Cast your ballot and vote for whom YOU determine to be the best candidate.
The Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation is a non-partisan, non-political, non-profit civic group dedicated to building a veterans memorial in the City of Thornton. We have that one goal and no other. It can be said that throughout the course of history in our country, no one group of people has done more to preserve this nation and protect its citizens than our veterans. We know that all of the candidates running for office in our city recognize the importance of ensuring our veterans receive the honors they are due and that no matter who is elected, they will continue to work to ensure this happens as all of the city of Thornton has in recent years.
We thank the citizens of the city of Thornton for their support of the Thornton Veterans Memorial project and we look forward to making this a reality for our veterans and Thornton. Please remember to honor our veterans by exercising one of your greatest liberties – VOTE!
Sincerely,
Tony Hake
Chairman
Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation
Jim Branaugh
Vice Chairman
Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation
August 23 , 2007 - Thornton Veterans Memorial In the News.The Thornton Veterans Memorial has received some recent publicity in the Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel and YourHub.
Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel, August 16, 2007 - In a Letter to the Editor, Jim Branaugh, TVMF Vice Chairman, thanks the Meritt Hutton Class of 1961 for their contribution to the project. Click here to read it.
YourHub, August 23, 2007 - The unveiling of the "coming soon" sign receives a very prominent photo placement as well as reference to the online article. Click here to read it.
Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel, August 23, 2007 - The unveiling of the "coming soon" sign was featured in the local paper. Click here to read it.
August 15 , 2007 - Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation Unveils Sign; Colorado Secretary of State Mike Coffman Provides Keynote Address.The Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation conducted a ceremony to unveil a “coming soon” sign at the memorial site. The sign, located at the intersection of 108th Avenue and Garfield Street, will serve as a highly visible reminder about the project to the community.
The keynote address was provided by Secretary of State Mike Coffman who is also Honorary Chairperson of the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation. Secretary Coffman, a decorated combat veteran, served in the Army and the Marines, twice volunteering to return to active duty; first in 1991 to serve in the Persian Gulf War and again in 2006 to serve in Iraq and help that country hold its first free elections.
August 13 , 2007 - Stop by the TVMF Tent at Thornton's Harvest Fest. On Saturday, September 8th from 10:00am to 5:00pm, the city of Thornton will host its annual Harvest Fest festival. We are pleased to announce that we will have a tent set up to share information about the project with the community. Please stop by and see the progress on the project.
August 6 , 2007 - Sign Unveiling Ceremony Set for August 15th at 2:00pm. The Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation will be unveiling a large "coming soon" sign near the memorial location. Secretary of State Mike Coffman, our Honorary Chairperson, will be speaking and numerous area dignitaries be in attendance. Public attendance is welcomed and encouraged! The event will take place on August 15 at 2:00pm at 108th & Garfield (one block west of Colorado Boulevard). Please join us for this special day. For more information, please contact us.
June 18 , 2007 - Join Us For the Jim's Burger Haven Cruz-In on Saturday, July 14th. Come join us at Jim's Burger Haven (595 E 88th Ave) for this Thornton tradition from 4:00pm - 8:00pm on Saturday, July 14th. TVMF will have a tent setup where you can learn more about the project. It is sure to be a great time!
June 11 , 2007 - Colorado Crush to Host Military Night on June 18th.Discount tickets are available for all active, retired, families, and friends start as low as $5 per seat on the upper level and $20 per seat on the lower level. The Crush are also offering free youth Elitch Gardens all-day passes for kids 12+under to anyone who purchases tickets to the June 18th or June 25th game and 15% discount cards on Crush merchandise. Click here to download the flyer.
May 31 , 2007 - Please Join Us at Thornton's 4th of July Celebration. The Veterans Memorial Foundation will have a tent setup on the field to update the public on our project. Please stop by and pay us a visit. To learn more about the happenings that day, please check out the city's web site.
May 18 , 2007 - Please Join Us on Memorial Day. Memorial Day is coming up and we would like to invite everyone to join us at Olinger Highland Mortuary at I-25 and 104th Avenue for a very special ceremony. Olinger will be hosting their 47th Annual Memorial Day Service at 10 a.m. Monday, May 28, 2007. The service will include choir music by New Star Entertainment, bagpiper Scott Beach and an Honor Guard and Wreath Ceremony conducted by VFW Post #7945, American Legion Post #22 and Ladies Auxiliary. A dove release will conclude the ceremony. Refreshments will be served. Fresh flowers will be available for purchase Saturday, Sunday and Monday of Memorial Day weekend. The Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation will be there and we ask all of our supporters to please take the time to join us and honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for this nation – it is the least we can do!
Olinger Highland Mortuary & Cemetery
10201 North Grant Street
Thornton, CO 80229
Phone: 303-451-6674
May 9 , 2007 - Look for the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation at Thorntonfest. On Saturday, May 19th from 10:00am to 5:00pm, the city of Thornton will host its annual Thorntonfest festival. We are pleased to announce that we will have a tent set up to share information about the project with the community. Please stop by and see the progress on the project.
May 4 , 2007 - Resolution Asking Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) to Fund Veterans Memorials Passed Unanimously by State Legislature. We are pleased to announce that working with our Legislative Steering Committee, House Joint Resolution 1028 has unanimously been endorsed by the Colorado Legislature. This resolution asks for Colorado Lottery funds, controlled by Great Outdoors Colorado, to be used for the construction of veterans memorials. The Foundation views this as a very important way to ensure our veterans are properly recognized and believes it is consistent with GOCO’s mission of helping to fund outdoor recreation projects. Please click here to read the press release.
April 19, 2007 - Thornton Veterans Memorial Nominated for YourHub.com Community Giving Award – Your Vote is Needed. The veterans memorial project is one of three projects in the north metro area to have been nominated for a $1,000 award from YourHub. The winner of the award will be selected from among the three choices by a vote of YourHub users. Only registered YourHub.com users can vote, and anyone can register. Simply visit http://denver.yourhub.com/Administrative/Register.aspx to get signed up. Then go to http://denver.yourhub.com/communitygiving and vote for the veterans memorial. When you go to the voting page, the three choices for our area are about 2/3 of the way down under a heading called Adams County. We need your vote to help us win! Voting ends on May 3rd so please vote as soon as possible!
April 18, 2007 - Resolution Asking Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) to Fund Veterans Memorials to be Introduced in State Legislature. We are pleased to announce that working with our Legislative Steering Committee, a resolution in the legislature will be introduced within the next two weeks asking for Colorado Lottery funds to be used for the construction of veterans memorials. This resolution is being introduced by Senator Lois Tochtrop (District 24) and Representative John Soper (District 34) with support from the rest of the committee including Mike Coffman, a combat veteran and Colorado’s Secretary of State, as well as Representatives Judy Solano (District 31) and Representative Edward Casso (District 32). The Foundation views this as a very important way to ensure our veterans are properly recognized and believes it is consistent with GOCO’s mission of helping to fund outdoor recreation projects. A press conference will be held at the state capitol on the day the resolution is introduced in both sides of the legislature. Check back here frequently for more news when we have confirmed the date and time.
March 7 , 2007 - Thornton Veterans Memorial Receives Valuable Support from Colorado Secretary of State Mike Coffman and Thornton’s Legislative Delegation; Combat Veteran Coffman Named an Honorary Chairperson of the Foundation
The Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation is pleased to announce the support of Mike Coffman, a combat veteran and Colorado’s Secretary of State, as well as Thornton’s State Legislative Delegation including State Senator Lois Tochtrop (District 24) and State Representatives Judy Solano (District 31), Edward Casso (District 32), and John Soper (District 34).
Additionally, the Foundation announced today that Secretary Coffman has been named an Honorary Chairperson of the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation.
February 16 , 2007 - Thornton Veterans Memorial Receives Wal-Mart Community Grant. The Thornton Veterans Memorial accepted a $1,000 grant from Wal-Mart through their Community Grant Program. Dave Bennett, Store Manager for Wal-Mart store #1231, and Kathy Grossman, the store's Community Involvement Coordinator made the presetation. Jim Branaugh (Vice Chairman), Greg Banks (Architect), and Bob Heller (Member at Large) accepted the grant on behalf of the Foundation. We thank Wal-Mart for recognizing the importance of the memorial project and sincerely appreciate their contribution. You can view pictures of the presenation here. A press release was also posted to YourHub which you can read here.
February 12 , 2007 - Presentations Available Online. Those wanting information in a downloadable format can now download presentations with information about the memorial project. To view them, please visit our document section.
February 9 , 2007 - Learn more about the memorial at the city's city council warm meetings. The Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation will at the city's upcoming ward meetings. Be sure to come and learn more about the project.
Spring 2007 Ward Meetings
February 22 - Ward 4 meeting, Thorncreek Clubhouse,
13555 N. Washington St., Thornton.
April 26 - Ward 2 meeting, Thornton Senior Center,
9471 Dorothy Blvd.
May 17 - Ward 3 meeting, St. John's Lutheran Church
11040 Colorado Blvd., Thornton.
January 4 , 2007 - The Thornton Veterans Memorial featured in the Northglenn / Thornton Sentinel. Featured in the Sentinel this week is the news about the memorial relocation and interviews with some of our members. This is a very good article. Click here to read it.
December 15 , 2006 - The Thornton Veterans Memorial Featured On Your Hub. A recent article on YourHub.com discusses the recent decision to move the veterans memorial. Click here to read it.
December 4 , 2006 - The Thornton Veterans Memorial Is On The Move. After weeks of discussions and debating, the Memorial Foundation has made the decision to move the memorial to a different location. After the significant turn out for the Veterans Day ceremony, concerns were raised about the proposed location and its ability to properly support a large gathering.
The Foundation felt they had properly vetted the hilltop location at 139th & Colorado Boulevard over a year ago when it was chosen. However, after seeing the number of people that will be attending events at the memorial and given the limitations of the site, the city and the Foundation came to the conclusion that in the interest of ensuring the memorial is able to live up to its purpose, it has to move.
So where is the memorial going to be located? At a spot that many residents have voiced a preference for over the past year - near the Thornton Recreation Center at 110th & Colorado Boulevard.
Tony Hake, Chairman of the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation said, “In a way, we are victims of our own success. The recent Veterans Day event and the extraordinary turnout and support really brought to our attention that the infrastructure at the old site wasn’t going to support the memorial and the types of activities we envision having there. This new location not only allows us plenty of room to hold events like Veterans Day and Memorial Day, it also allows us much greater flexibility in the memorial design, makes us part of a city destination, and puts us much closer to the population center of the city. The decision wasn’t easy but in the end we feel the new location serves the memorial’s purpose and the community much better.”
More details on the new location will be available in the coming weeks while we continue to work with the city on refining the location design. In the meantime, a press release with many more details about the move, the reasoning behind it, and why we feel it is a good thing is available. Please click here to read it. If you have any questions, please contact us.
April 16 , 2007 - Texas Roadhouse to host benefit dinners for the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation. ** EVENT CANCELLED **
We are pleased to announce that the Texas Roadhouse has generously agreed to donate 10% of your total bill back to the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation when you dine there on the designated day. This is a great opportunity to help support our cause and to have a great meal!
This next such event will be held on Tuesday, May 8th from 4:00pm to 10:00pm. Please click here to download and print a flyer - you need to present this to your server in order for the veterans memorial to benefit.
We look forward to seeing you there! As always, please check our calendar for more events in the future!
November 11 , 2006 - The city of Thornton's first Veterans Day Remembrance was a huge success! The city's Veterans Day ceremony, which TVMF proudly assisted with, was truly an event to remember. Over 250 people were in attendance, a much bigger crowd than was expected for the city's first such event. Featuring a chorale singing patriotic music, guest speakers including Mayor Noel Busck, the VFW and American Legion and more, it was a wonderful way to honor our veterans for the sacrifices they have made. Thank you to all who came out and showed their support!
October 23, 2006 - The Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation Supports the VA's "Veterans Pride Initiative".The Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and leaders of major veterans organizations today called on America's veterans to help kindle a new spark of patriotism on Veterans Day by wearing the medals they earned during military service.
"We are announcing a Veterans Pride Initiative to remind Americans of the pride and honor in the hearts of those who have served," Nicholson said. "We expect Americans will see our decorated heroes unite in spirit at ceremonies, in parades and elsewhere as a compelling symbol of courage and sacrifice on Veterans Day, the day we set aside to thank those who served and safeguarded our national security."
VA is offering information about the campaign on its Web page, http://www.va.gov/veteranspride/, where veterans also can obtain information about how to replace mislaid medals and learn how to confirm the decorations to which they are entitled.
More information can be obtained below and from the VA's website. The Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation wholeheartedly endorses this initiative and hopes all veterans will take this opportunity to show their pride for their service to this nation! More information on Veterans Day can also be obtained from the VA on this page: http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/index.asp
October 10, 2006 - Join us in honoring our veterans on Veterans Day! On Saturday, November 11th at 12:00pm, there will be a Veterans Day remembrance at the civic center. Working in conjunction with the city, TVMF is working to make this a very special event. Plans are still being finalized but will include participation by the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars for the presentation of colors, a showing of the Thornton veterans video, comments from some special veterans and their families and more! Please mark your calendar and check back here for more information as the date gets closer!
September 11, 2006 - The Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation announces new officers. We are pleased to announce Tony Hake was elected as President and Linda Wisniewski as Secretary.
September 9, 2006 - TVMF participates in the Thornton Harvest Fest. The Thornton Veterans Memorial was proud to help the city of Thornton celebrate its 50th anniversary by participating in the Harvest Fest parade. The Military Vehicle Collectors of Colorado were very gracious in lending us a hand and were able to show up with 13 classic and modern military vehicles for our entry in the parade. Needless to say it made a very impressive display and we greatly appreciate their support!
After the parade the Foundation had a tent in the Festival where we were able to talk to a lot of folks in the community about the project. Of course the highlight was almost certainly the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders who made an appearance in support of the memorial.
The Chrysler Foundation to be Host Sponsor of Vietnam Wall event. Help raise funds for the memorial and get some great merchandise too. Our online store is now open for business a variety of TVMF related merchandise. Click here to check it out!
Please note changes in our meeting schedule. With the summer months upon us and our members busy enjoying vacations with family, we have temporarily scaled back the number of meetings we will be having. There will not be a meeting on the third Monday of June, further, we will not have a meeting on July 3rd as we will be having a tent at the city's 4th of July celebration. As always, our event calendar is up to date. To view the calendar click here!
Make a contribution online! We have setup an online donation system - contributions of any size are appreciated! Contributions via credit can be made in a matter of seconds - it is fast, easy and secure. Click here for more information.
See what is happening on our event calendar! We have added an event calendar that shows all of our meetings and TVMF related functions. We will also keep it up to date with other veterans related events. If you have an event that you think should be listed, please let us know! To view the calendar click here!
September 7, 2006 - Thornton Veterans Memorial Featured in YourHub Section of the Rocky Mountain News and Denver Post. An update for the community was provided in a recent article. You may read it by clicking here.
August 24, 2006 - Order Your Paver Bricks.We are pleased to announce the start of sales of the paver bricks that will make up the walkways of the veterans memorial! The paver bricks will be used as the walkways at the memorial. They will serve as a perpetual reminder of how much the contributions of veterans of meant to this country and you. Purchase them for yourself or for friends as family as a great and memorable gift. You can order them online in our online store of download an order form and send in your order by mail.
August 1, 2006 - Thornton Veterans' Memorial on Comcast Local Edition.Tony Hake, Vice Chairman for the Memorial Foundation recently did an interview for Comcast Local Edition that can be seen during the months of August and September. In the four minute interview Tony talks with Anita Lopez (formerly of KUSA channel 9) about the memorial and the progress toward making it a reality. If you have Comcast, tune in and check it out (schedule below)! You can also view it online using the following links:
The interview will air during the following times throughout the month of August on CNN Headline News on Comcast channel 37.
Mondays 5:54 a.m.
Tuesdays 12:54 p.m.
Wednesdays 8:54 a.m. and 6:54 p.m. (except for 8/2)
Thursdays 2:54 p.m.
Fridays 12:54 p.m.
Saturdays 4:54 a.m. & 8:54 p.m.
Sundays 7:54 a.m. & 6:54 p.m.
During September, the interview will be available through Comcast's On Demand service.
July 7, 2006 - Next on our calendar - Thornton Harvest Fest. September 9th is the city's annual Harvest Fest and the Thornton Veterans Memorial will play a prominent role. First and foremost, our entry for the parade promises to be a great surprise for everyone. It is "top secret" for now so please check back for more information in the coming weeks. We will also have a booth setup at the festival to help raise funds and tell everyone about the project. Be sure to stop by! For now, visit the city's Harvest Fest page on their web site for more information.
July 5, 2006 - Independence Day celebration a success. Despite the weather being a bit less than cooperative, the city's 4th of July celebration was a success for TVMF. We were able to get the word out to a lot of residents about the project and interest was very high. Thank you to everyone we talked to - we look forward to your help as we move forward with the project! Check back in a few days as we hope to have some pictures to share!
Come visit us at Thornton's "Salute to the Troops" 4th of July celebration. We will be at the city event with a tent setup to share information about the memorial. Please stop by and pay us a visit. To learn more about the happenings, please check out the city's web site.
Benefit dinner for the Thornton Veterans Memorial. On Saturday, May 13th, the Foundation will be sponsoring a benefit dinner to help raise funds. Dinner, a silent auction and entertainment are just some of the fun in store for the night! Click here for more information.
May 25, 2006 - Thornton Veterans' Memorial Featured in the Northglenn / Thornton Sentinel. The memorial was again featured in the Sentinel. Click here to view the article in PDF format. We certainly appreciate the publicity and all of the help we have received from the Sentinel but unfortunately there were some errors in the article. Please note our comments:
The headline refers to the Thornton Veterans' Memorial as a “tribute garden”. That is not what the memorial is to be called. In fact, that is the name of a memorial in a neighboring city.
The article states the memorial will be open on Memorial Day 2007. That is incorrect. No hard opening date has been set. We are however tentatively planning a ground breaking for Memorial Day 2007 and an dedication / grand opening on Veterans Day 2007.
The article says the service satellite monuments will have “painted scenes”. That is incorrect - nothing will be painted. The monuments will have quality bronze reliefs.
February 7, 2006 - The TVMF will be working with the city staff to ensure veterans are properly honored in this, the city's 50th anniversary year. Plans are still being formulated and more information is forthcoming but we are planning special tributes at the city's Independence Day celebration as well as for Veterans Day. Check back here for more information. In the meantime, you may read more about the events surrounding Thornton's 50th anniversary on the city's web site - please click here.
January 5, 2006 - Thornton Veterans Memorial was chosen as one of YourHub's "Best of 2005" Stories. .You can read the article here (Adobe Acrobat format).
December 1, 2005 - TVMF featured in the Northglenn / Thornton Sentinel .You can read the article here (Adobe Acrobat format).
November 10, 2005 - The Thornton Veterans Memorial featured in the "Your Hub" section of the Denver Post & the Rocky Mountain News. An update on the project was in the newspaper. You can view the article by clicking here (Adobe Acrobat format).
October 25, 2005 - The Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation presented our plans for the memorial and it has received the blessing of the city council! We thank the city council and everyone else who made this possible.
Now that we have reached this milestone, we are proud to unveil the concept designs for the memorial. You can read all about it on the Project page as well as download and view a brochure and images in our Documents Section. Click here to read and see more about this exciting and very important project.
Meeting schedule changes due to the holidays. The Memorial Foundation will meet as scheduled on December 5th, however, please note the following changes to other meeting dates in the near future:
The December 19th meeting will not be held or rescheduled.
The January 2, 2006 meeting will be postponed to January 9th.
October 18, 2005 - We are pleased to announce that the proposed memorial design and location has received approval from the Thornton Planning Committee! The memorial foundation is pleased to have achieved this major milestone and we are on our way to making this memorial a reality.
A complete presentation and vote by city council on the project will be conducted at the next city council meeting on 10/25/05. More information about the council meeting can be found on the city's web site. Be sure to check back after the city council meeting as we will have artist's renderings and much more information available here on our web site!
August 15, 2005 - Valerian LLC Landscape Architects to design the Thornton Veterans Memorial. Valerian LLC is one of Denver's premier landscape architecture and site planning firms. They have very generously agreed to donate their services to our cause and we thank them for their help! To read more about Valerian, please visit their web site. To see more companies and individuals who are donating to the memorial, please click here.
July 22, 2005 - Our email newsletter is now available! The newsletter will keep members of the community and other interested people up to date with the latest happenings as we work toward building this important memorial. Click here for more information or to subscribe!
July 11, 2005 - The Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation announces new officers. We are pleased to announce Dave Corey was elected as President and Tami William as Treasurer. More information may be obtained in the meeting minutes.
July 4, 2005 - The Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation unveils its new logo. Today, at the city of Thornton's annual Independence Day celebration, the Foundation announced the winner of the logo design contest. Picking a winning logo was not easy and we thank all participants for their submissions! Details below.
For submitting the winning logo, Mr. Varvir received a $25.00 Wal-Mart gift certificate, a $50.00 gift certificate to Black Angus and a one year subscription to the Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel.
Other Participants
Kayl Belcher
Patricia Donahue
Jason Graham
Nancy Jimenez
Catherine Nebs
Alyssa Wenholz
All participants received a $25.00 Wal-Mart gift certificate.
A special thanks to Terry Cooper for her contribution toward the Wal-Mart gift cards and to North Metro Newspapers and the Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel for their contribution of the annual subscription!
The logo design contest has ended - thank you to everyone for their submissions. Letters have gone out to all participants inviting them to the city's 4th of July celebration. The presentation and awards will be at 8:00pm. More information on the Independence Day celebration can be found here on the city's web site.
The Boy Scouts will be having a flag retirement ceremony on July 5, 2005 at 7:00pm. It will be held Adams County Justice Center on Bromley Lane in Brighton.
May 19, 2005 - Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation logo design contest featured in the Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel.Click here to view it.
May 12, 2005 - Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation featured in the People section of the Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel. Click here to view it.
May 5, 2005 - The Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel has an article featuring the Foundation and its efforts to bring a memorial park to the city. Read it here.
* Note: News articles are in Adobe Acrobat format. You can download the free ready by clicking here.
Grace is unveiled at the Thornton Veterans Memorial Adams 12 opens the new Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center. Next committee meeting will be Monday, 10/3/11 @ 7:00pm. Click here for more information and news.
September 22, 2010 - Local Artisan Contributes Statue Dedicated to Veterans
Thornton Family Barbershop will be honoring our nation's Veterans this weekend as we celebrate the 234th birthday of our Great Nation. 
July 10, 2008 Northglenn - Thornton Sentinel article about the event.
Over the long holiday weekend, tens of thousands of people came to Thornton to see this incredible memorial and to celebrate our nation's independence. This was unlike any 4th of July the city of Thornton has celebrated and we are very excited to have been a part of it. The thank you's are numerous from the sponsors, to the volunteers to the city of Thornton and the city's staff and we appreciate each and every contribution that was made to ensure the success of this tremendous event. 
With great pride and enthusiasm the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation announces Thornton will be the host for the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. The Foundation, working in conjunction with the city of Thornton, has arranged to have this extraordinary memorial present from July 3 to July 7, 2008 - most fittingly during the city’s Independence Day celebration. The Wall will be available for public viewing 24 hours a day on those dates at the multipurpose fields at the Margaret W. Carpenter Recreation Center (11151 Colorado Boulevard, Thornton, CO 80233). 
