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November 7, 2012 - Dedication ceremony postponed
It is with deep regret that the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation has made the decision to postpone the dedication ceremony that we had planned for this coming Sunday, November 11, 2012.
Mother Nature appears set to deliver a wintry blast this weekend that, if forecasts hold true, would see high temperatures only reach to around 30 degrees on Sunday and possibly bring snow. While the forecast may change between now and Sunday, we needed to make this decision now rather than wait so the groups we had planned on performing and those attending can make plans accordingly.
We struggled with making this decision but we feel that we could not conduct an adequate and proper ceremony in these conditions. Further the weather would certainly deter many people from attending the ceremony that would otherwise and we also do not want to put anyone’s health at risk by being out in poor conditions.
TVMF encourages everyone to please visit the memorial as the weather permits and see the extraordinary new additions. The Foundation has even more planned to honor our nation’s heroes and we will be working through the winter to complete those additional features.
Our current thought is that we will look to hold the dedication in the spring, possibly on Memorial Day, when the weather warms and we can do it with all the pomp and circumstance it deserves.
Thank you for your continued support.
October 1, 2012 - Save the date: Dedication planned for Veterans Day
With the next major milestone for the memorial approaching, we are asking all of our supporters to ’save the date’ for a dedication of the second phase of construction.
We are currently planning on conducting a formal dedication on Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 1:00pm. Congressman Mike Coffman will be the keynote speaker in a public ceremony featuring patriotic music, taps, and a 21 gun salute to honor our nation’s veterans.
We will have more details in the coming weeks but for now please mark your calendar and plan on joining us when we reveal to the community this latest phase of the memorial.
September 15, 2012 - Engravers begin work on benches and obelisk
What is 9' 11" tall and will be the centerpiece of the Thornton Veterans Memorial? A five sided obelisk engraved with five of the U.S. military’s core values. Those words are being engraved on the massive piece of Indiana limestone this week.
Also in work at the engravers are five benches - one for each branch of service - that will have the branch's seal and motto engraved on them.
July 17, 2012 - Phase II of memorial construction begins with 42,000 pounds of Indiana limestone
Just a few short weeks ago TVMF welcomed a tractor trailer fully loaded with three massive blocks of Indiana limestone. The 21 tons of stone are now taking shape as the obelisk and five benches that will be the second phase of the memorial.
Swanson Stone in Sedalia is being tasked with transforming the raw stone into the components for phase II. This includes:
- A 9’ 11” obelisk that will be placed in the center of the pentagon at the memorial. On each side a core value of the U.S. armed forces will be engraved.
- Five benches placed at each point of the star that forms the memorial’s walkway. Each bench will be engraved with the name of one of the five branches of military service as well as that service’s motto.
The work on these components is moving quickly. Barring any unforeseen obstacles, we hope to hold a dedication on Veterans Day, November 11, 2012. Mark your calendar!
July 11, 2012 - It’s not too late! Orders for engraved paver bricks continue
Three rounds of engraved paver bricks have been installed at the veterans memorial and orders are being taken for a fourth that will be installed at the same time as the benches and obelisk. Don’t miss your chance!
Are you looking for that truly unique gift sure to be appreciated by a veteran? With the holidays coming up an engraved paver brick is perfect for gift giving.
Get your order submitted before then to ensure you don’t miss out! Click here to order now!
July 3, 2012 - The next TVMF meeting will be Monday, August 6, 2012 at 7:00pm. Come help us make the memorial a reality!Public attendance and input is welcome and encouraged - please join us! The meeting will be held at the Northglenn American Legion (11081 Irma Drive). If you have any questions, please contact us.
September 24, 2011 - Grace is dedicated at the Thornton Veterans Memorial. Under a clear, blue Colorado sky and with patriotic music having set the tone, Grace was unveiled at the Thornton Veterans Memorial. The sculpture of a winged angel releasing a dove carrying dog tags is an amazing tribute to those who have served this nation.
The artwork was generously donated by local artisan, Christopher Romero. Casting and molding of the sculpture was funded by the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation (TVMF) through contributions by citizens to the memorial project.
Additional funding for the sculpture’s base and landscaping was generously provided by the Thornton Arts, Sciences and Humanities Council (TASHCO). Discounted services and supplies were provided by Columbine Design, Inc., CPS Distributors Inc., and Golf and Sports Solutions.
Below is a photo slideshow of the dedication on Saturday. To learn more about how you can help the Thornton Veterans Memorial project, please click here.
August 31, 2011 - Dedication ceremony for Phase II postponed. Sculpture to become newest component of veterans memorial. A winged angel releasing the fallen to the heavens will soon join the Thornton Veterans Memorial.
Titled “Grace”, the nearly four-foot tall bronze sculpture 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.
The installation of Grace reflects the culmination of a community effort to honor the nation’s fallen.
The artwork was generously donated by local artisan and sculptor, Christopher Romero. Casting and molding of the piece was funded by the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation (TVMF) through contributions by citizens to the memorial project. Additional funding for the sculpture’s base was generously provided by the Thornton Arts, Sciences and Humanities Council (TASHCO).
Mr. Romero, TVMF and TASHCO will be unveiling the artwork at a public ceremony honoring our nation’s heroes on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 10:00am. The group invites the entire community to join them in this first viewing of Grace.
The Thornton Veterans Memorial is located adjacent to the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center at 5310 E. 136th Ave, Thornton, Co 80026.
To view a press release with more information, click here.
January 25, 2011 - ‘Grace’ returns from foundry; Sculpture will serve as touching memorial to veterans. With angelic wings and outstretched arms, ‘Grace’ has returned from the foundry. The bronze statue of an angel releasing a dove with dog tags in its beak will become a prominent feature at the Thornton Veterans Memorial site.
In September, the Thornton Veterans Memorial accepted a gracious offer from local artisan Christopher Romero to donate his work in creating ‘Grace.’ Once completed Grace was sent to the foundry and was cast in bronze. She has recently returned and plans for her location and display are being finalized.
“Grace is a truly extraordinary display to honor our nation’s veterans and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” Chairman Tony Hake said. “She serves as a touching and poignant reminder of the human costs of war and the brave men and women that protect our freedom.”
The images below are of the completed sculpture soon after she was received.
November 22, 2010 - Get that special gift for the veteran or veteran supporter on your list and save 10%! Now you can get your holiday shopping done in our online store, save a few bucks and support a worthy cause. Over 225 items are now available in our online store and you can pay by credit card or print an order form to be mailed in with a check.
For a limited time we are offering 10% off of everything in our store. This includes all veteran and patriotic merchandise and even our engraved paver bricks. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to support the memorial and make the holidays special for that veteran or veteran supporter on your shopping list. Click here to go to our online store.
Remember that all sales benefit the memorial project!
November 17, 2010 - TVMF accepts Adams County Open Space grant. The Adams County Board of Commissioners presented the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation with a grant for $54,817. The funds will be used to complete a second phase of construction at the memorial that will include the center obelisk and memorials to each of the five branches of the military.
The Foundation thanks the Adams County Open Space Advisory Board, the Adams County Commissioners and all of our supporters for their commitment to ensuring our nation's veterans are honored.
Volunteer members of the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation including Kim Jetton, John Wagner and Bill Zulauf accept the award. Image courtesy Shannon McDowell, Open Space Program Manager.
November 11, 2010 - Adams 12 unveils Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center. Adams 12 Five Star Schools took the wraps off its extraordinary new aquatic center on Veterans Day. Named in honor of our nation's heroes, the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center provides area students with a competition worthy facility for swimming and diving events.
The Thornton Police Color Guard presented the colors to kick off the ceremony and was followed by speeches by Superintendent Chris Gdowski, U.S. Senator Mark Udall, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, Board of Education Vice President Mark Clark, Board of Education Director Fred Schaefer and Thornton Mayor Eric Hansen. The Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation's own vice chairman, Jim Branaugh, also spoke.
The keynote speaker was Colonel Laura Richardson, a Northglenn High School graduate who currently serves as the Chief Liason to the United States Senate for the Army.
The Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation is very pleased that Adams 12 has chosen to remember our nation's veterans with the naming of this facility in their honor.
Watch a slideshow of the event below. Images courtesy Beth Hunter, Communications Division, Adams 12 Five Star Schools.
November 10, 2010 - Veterans Day freebies and discounts. A number of restaurants and retailers honor our nation’s veterans by providing them with special offers for Veterans Day. Below are a few we have recently found:
Restaurants
Applebee’s Restaurant – Free dinners to veterans throughout Veterans Day, November 11th; selections will be from a new Veterans Day menu.
Chili’s – Veterans can choose from one of six free entrees on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11th.
Golden Corral- Free buffet dinner from 5-9 p.m. on Nov. 15 to anyone who has ever served in the U.S. military Staff.
Famous Dave's - Get a free entree valued at up to $15.00 on Veterans Day.
Hooters – Veterans Eat Free special. Veterans can choose a free meal from a special selection on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11th.
Krispy Kreme – One free doughnut of any variety on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11th.
Outback Steakhouse – Free Blooming Onion and beverage on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11th.
Subway – Free 6 inch sub for veterans and active duty military members on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11th.
Texas Roadhouse – Come in on Thursday, November 11th from 4PM-6PM, present your proof of military service to your server, and we’ll give you a complimentary entrée from our Early Dine menu!
Retail Specials
Brides Across America – Provides free wedding gowns to qualified military brides.
Lowe’s & Home Depot – Extra 10% off to active-duty military members, National Guard and reserve members, retirees, honorably discharged veterans and immediate family members.
Sam’s Club – Over 25,000 Hugo canes will be given away to U.S. veterans in need of mobility assistance. Membership is not required, but supplies are limited, so check with your local store.
Amazon.com – Free “Veterans Day Honor” MP3 album download. The album includes 12 songs by The Bands and Ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces. * Editor’s note, this is the link to the album but as of this writing, the album is not free.
Cabela’s Outdoor Store – Offers their employee discount to all veterans, active-duty military and reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel Nov. 11-12. Discounts vary from 5% to 50%, depending on the item.
Build-a-Bear Workshop – Members of the armed services including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserve Officer Training Corps, will receive a 20% discount Nov. 11-15 on any one transaction at Build-A-Bear Workshop.
Dollar General – 10% discount for all veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and reserve and their immediate families.
Fashion Bug – 20% off all plus-size and misses clothing purchases with a copy of military ID or spouse’s military ID.
November 10, 2010 - Join Us for the Grand Opening of the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center. With all the appropriate fanfare and respect, Adams 12 Five Star Schools will hold the grand opening of the new Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center on Veterans Day. The event will not only serve to officially open this extraordinary facility but also to honor and pay our respect to our nation’s heroes.
The recently completed Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center features a 50-meter Olympic-size swimming pool with seating for 800 spectators. Inside, visitors will also find the Fallen Heroes Wall of Honor – a tribute to the five Adams 12 graduates who have given their lives in defense of this nation.
Please join us on Thursday, November 11th at 10:00am for the opening of this facility. The Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center is located at 5310 E. 136th Ave – approximately one half mile west of Holly on 136th Avenue across from Horizon High School. Of course be sure to check out the progress on the Thornton Veterans Memorial while you are there!
