In May, over 250 veterans and spouses attended the annual veterans’ memorial gala dinner at the Marriott Hotel in Fort Collins hosted by Veterans Plaza of Northern Colorado. President James Hagerman gave an introduction and presented several awards to several staff members. Four WWII veterans were recognized at the dinner along with many veterans of later wars.
Retired Lt. General William Welser III
Retired Lt. General William Welser III gave the keynote address on Serving in the Armed Forces, Today and in the Future! General Welser explained it is an honor and privilege to serve in the armed forces, but unfortunately the younger generation feels differently. There doesn’t seem to be the pride of younger Americans to join and serve in the armed forces as in past decades. However, General Welser indicated that young ROTC students help to fulfill the young officers’ roles, but still need many enlisted personnel, if we are to remain a strong nation. General Welser received a miniature sculpture of the Veterans Plaza soldier sculpture for his participation in the gala dinner as pictured here.
Afterwards, General Welser and President Hagerman presented a commemorative coin to our local Persian Gulf War veterans. An auction followed with a double eagle sculpture created by staff member & veteran Gary Ricker and a successful call for donations to bring the Viet Nam Wall back to Fort Collins in 2020. During the ceremony, several elementary school students provided Thank You letters to all the attending veterans. Overall, many veterans appreciated the memorial gala dinner hosted by many sponsors.
50 Plus and many Veterans Plaza sponsors thank our veterans and active military for their outstanding service!