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 8, 2010 - The next TVMF meeting will be Monday, August 2, 2010 at 7:00pm. Come help us make the memorial a reality! Public attendance and input is welcome and encouraged - please join us! Due to the Independence Day holiday, the July meeting will be held two days later than normal at the Thornton Civic Center (usually in the Training Room). If you have any questions, please contact us.
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 - First phase of construction of the Thornton Veterans Memorial is underway
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.
As construction of first phase begins, so does another opportunity to order paver bricks First phase of construction of the Thornton Veterans Memorial is underway Next committee meeting will be Monday, 8/2/10 @ 7:00pm. Click here for more information and news.
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. 
