Armed Forces Day to Honor Area Veterans

War Veterans Honored this Armed Forces Day
by Ed Fickes, The Greeley Tribune 

In 1949 President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country.

According to a New York Times article published on May 17, 1952: "This is the day on which we have the welcome opportunity to pay special tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces … to all the individuals who are in the service of their country all over the world. Armed Forces Day won’t be a matter of parades and receptions for a good many of them. They will all be in line of duty, and some of them may give their lives in that duty."

Fifty-six years since the date of this New York Times article the words still ring so true. The Weld County Veteran’s Memorial Committee has planned a very special celebration for the upcoming Armed Forces Day this Saturday at the Bittersweet Park Veteran’s Memorial. In addition to recognition of all those who have and are serving in all branches of service — Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard — there will also be the dedication of a new permanent monument to honor the service of those who gave of life and limb for the freedom of their country. The Order of the Purple Heart will make this dedication and presentation…

A special invitation is being made to those who have received the Purple Heart and to the families and the families of those who gave all. The Memorial Committee plans to have numerous military-related items and equipment on display. The day will also include the first-ever Memorial fundraising barbecue from noon-4 p.m. Local veterans are donating the food, preparation and service. Tickets are $8 and available at area veteran halls from committee men and at the park on the day of the event. All proceeds from this first-ever fundraiser will go to the continued and ongoing operating expenses of the Weld County Veteran’s Memorial. Beverage service will also be available sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Chapter of Vietnam Helicopter Pilots adjacent to their museum.

A larger than usual attendance is expected to join in this year’s Armed Forces Day celebration, dedication of the Purple Heart memorial and the barbecue. The Memorial Committee plans to reserve the closed-in parking lot at the memorial for elderly attendees and those in need of special assistance. The committee has arranged for the use of nearby parking lots at Sherwood Baptist Church, 3333 16th St., and the First Assembly of God Church, 3000 16th St., for event parking. Free shuttle service to and from these sites will be provided from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. by Weld County Garage and New Frontier Bank.

The entire community is invited to this celebration honoring and recognizing those who served and are serving to preserve our freedom. Please join us.

Ed Fickes is a Vietnam veteran who served as a helicopter pilot with the 1st Air Calvary Division. He is also president of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association and a longtime Greeley resident and businessman.

 

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