With the dawn of Veterans Day, more than 600 individuals in Colorado gathered in Denver to pay homage to the brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The annual Veterans Day Run, Parade, and Festival at City Park in Denver brought together Coloradans from all walks of life to honor and support veterans. The event, which donated all proceeds to the Colorado Veterans Project (CVP), aimed to provide essential services and resources to veterans, including mental health assistance, medical care, and housing support.
The parade, a significant highlight of the event, was divided into sections representing various military conflicts throughout history, spanning from the Revolutionary War to modern times. Each section showcased relics like uniforms, vehicles, and weapons from the respective era, offering a glimpse into the rich military history of the nation.
The marathon portion of the event featured a series of races, including a 5k, 10k, and backpack race. Participants ranging from adults to children, and even furry friends, enthusiastically took part in these races, demonstrating their unwavering support for veterans.
One touching moment at the finish line saw James Greene and his partner, Maddison Mar, crossing hand-in-hand. Mar, a Space Force veteran who is set to conclude her active duty in a few weeks, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate her mother’s and previous generations’ military careers. Angela Ricci, Mar’s mother and an army veteran of eight years, also completed the race just moments later. Mar highlighted the empowering feeling of witnessing the resilience and accomplishments of veterans, stating, Being on a base every day, seeing veterans and how awesome we’ve become, it’s just really empowering to see that.
To further support veterans, the event also organized numerous tents at the marathon’s end. These tents were filled with non-profit organizations benefiting from the festival, as well as companies offering crucial resources for veterans. Telehealth services and counseling were among the vital provisions provided by Doug Beck’s group, Ellie Mental Health. As a veteran himself, Beck recognized the importance of such resources, especially with regard to tackling the pressing issue of veteran suicide rates. He emphasized that supporting those who have served the country is essential in enabling them to embark on their next chapter.
The festival’s support for various non-profits is an integral part of its mission to aid veterans in need. Companies and organizations collaborating with the Colorado Veterans Project can view the list of supported non-profits on CVP’s official website.
In conclusion, over 600 Coloradans gathered at the Veterans Day Run, Parade, and Festival in Denver to honor veterans and remember their sacrifices. The event successfully raised funds for the Colorado Veterans Project, aiding non-profits in their endeavors to provide essential services to veterans. Through races, parades, and a supportive atmosphere, Coloradans demonstrated their unwavering support for veterans, ensuring that they receive the recognition, resources, and care they deserve.
