The Colorado Freedom Memorial

On April 27, 1898, the Colorado Guard was mobilized for service in the Spanish-American War. They played a large role in numerous battles and Captain Alexander Brooks of Denver raised the Stars and Stripes over captured Manila. Twelve men were killed in action and another 34 died from wounds suffered in battle and disease. It was the beginning of a storied history of sacrifice by Colorado's military veterans.

Over one hundred years later, Colorado continues to send its Sons and Daughters to defend the world's freedom whenever the nation calls and there are many more who have not returned. All told, over 6000 of our finest have paid for our freedom with their lives.

Do you know who they are? How do you honor their sacrifice?

The Colorado Freedom Memorial will provide all of us an opportunity to make sure we never forget the price paid for our freedom. On two acres of park land in Aurora there will be a glass-walled memorial unlike any other in America. It will be etched with the names of all Colorado veterans killed or missing in action since those first 46 fell in the Philippines.

Make it a point to participate. You'll help us bring home, if by name only, over 6000 of the best Colorado had to offer. And you'll be saying to the families left behind, we didn’t forget. It really is the least any of us can do.