The Veterans Plaza of Northern Colorado is honoring our Korean War Veterans during its annual Memorial Day Weekend celebration this year. The Veterans Plaza’s mission is to honor our military members for their service and sacrifices and to educate the public. The Veterans Plaza is located at 2626 W. Horsetooth Road, Spring Canyon Park in southwest Fort Collins.
The Korean War has often been referred to as “The Forgotten War,” which lasted three years and claimed the lives of 36,516 and wounded 92,134 American service members.
There are several events during the three day Memorial Day weekend. On Saturday morning, the public is invited to help place 3,600 American flags at the Veterans Plaza in honor of the fallen.
On Saturday evening, a 1950’s USO dinner and dance (5:30 – 8 pm) complete with a Marilyn Monroe tribute by Sheri Winkelmann and Just for Kicks Big Band is planned at the Marriott Hotel in Fort Collins. We expect 100 Korean War Veterans as our guests. Korean War Veterans attend for free and their guests or guests of the Plaza can attend at $45 per person. Veterans and their guests must register to attend the dinner and dance and also indicate if you wish to receive the medal at the dinner.
The guest speaker is the newly appointed Republic of Korea Consul and James McGibney, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Korea.
General public wishing to attend the dance (8 – 11 pm) must purchase tickets online or for $25 at the door.
Register online at https://veteransplazanoco.org/event/memorial-day-weekend-2016-a-salute-to-our-korean-war-veterans/
The official Memorial Day ceremony begins at 9 am on Sunday, May 29. Visitors may visit the Plaza and view displays of veteran oriented organizations. At 12:30 pm, Sheri Winkelmann performs her Marilyn Monroe tribute. Afterwards, the formal ceremony consists of raising of the colors, the guest speakers, inspirational observances, a 21 gun salute, taps, and a flyover by a squadron of Air Force helicopters. The Korean Consul and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Korea present the award the Ambassador for Peace Medal and Certificate to all Korean War Veterans in attendance.
Korean War Veterans who wish to receive the Ambassador for Freedom Medal at the ceremony on Sunday, May 29 must register online at https://veteransplazanoco.org/event/memorial-day-weekend-2016-a-salute-to-our-korean-war-veterans/.
On Monday, Memorial Day, the plaza opens at 7 am and remains open until 11 pm. At 3 pm, a short ceremony includes a prayer, taps, and a 21-gun salute.