Memorial Day has been a tradition since 1868 with Americans honoring our military personnel, who have died in past conflicts across the world. Fort Collins is no different in honoring our fallen military personnel. Major Diggs Brown (retired) and Brad Hoopes have been organizing the annual Memorial Day Weekend event in Fort Collins to honor our fallen military personnel since 2012.
Dedicated in 2011, the Veterans Plaza serves as a remembrance to our military veterans. Located in the scenic Spring Canyon Community Park in southwest Fort Collins, the Plaza is an educational tool for children and adults to learn about the military heroes, who are part of our nation’s history and recognize those who continue to serve and will serve in the future. Major Brown was instrumental in having the Plaza approved and built with donations for the public to enjoy. Several years ago, the Vietnam Wall was viewed at the Plaza as part of the Memorial Day celebration.
Major General Jimmy Doolittle
This year, the Memorial Day weekend event honored the Greatest Generation, aka WWII veterans during the four day celebration. Keynote speaker Jonna Doolittle Hopes gave a presentation of her famous grandfather, General Jimmy Doolittle at the Memorial Day celebration. General Doolittle was most famous for his Doolittle Raiders flying bombers from an aircraft carrier in the Pacific to Japan. With lots of challenges and problems, he successfully bombed Tokyo and flew on to China to be rescued. Jonna honored her grandfather with a tribute to his life.
The Victory Dinner & Dance had over 300 people attend with many veterans attending in military uniform including yours truly. Major Brown and others gave presentations, followed by the Just For Kicks dance band playing WWII favorites. An added attraction included the American Bombshells, a delightful singing trio giving tribute to the Andrews Sisters of the 1940s and WWII fame. Many couples danced the night away to the band and singers.
At Sunday’s Memorial Day weekend event, over 1,000 people attended the annual celebration at the Plaza. Over 20 vendors had tables to provide info to the public and honor the military. A local historical group brought in military tents and vehicles to re-enact WWII times. Celebration dignitaries included Fort Collins and Loveland Mayors, Fort Collins Police Chief, Larimer County Sheriff and Commissioners, Major Brown and Brad Hoopes, who participated in the event. An honor guard in Civil and WWII war uniforms (shown above) was led by a bagpiper. A 21 gun salute was given by a local military group with American patriot songs by several singers and presentations given by Major Brown, Brad Hoopes, Jonna Hoppes, and others in honor of the fallen.
The event ended with a color guard and 21 gun salute on Memorial Day. Thanks to our fallen military veterans in memory to their sacrifices. For more information on this annual event, visit the Veterans Plaza website at www.veteransplazanoco.org.