Article Contributed on: 7/2/2009 11:47:14 AM
Civic Green Park was awash in red, white and blue as hundreds turned out for the Highlands Ranch Veterans Monument dedication ceremony July 1.
Veterans, their families and members of the community came to walk through the monument, located next to the Highlands Ranch Library entrance, and reflect on those who served.
A helicopter flyover kicked off the ceremony, which included speakers followed by a patriotic concert.
Former Gov. Bill Owens, the keynote speaker, said the monument is a tribute to brave men and women in the armed forces, past, present and future.
"This is truly a monument that says 'thanks,'" Owens said.
The monument was an idea dreamed up four years ago by Highlands Ranch resident Jeff Alvis after reading about Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Falkel, the first soldier from Highlands Ranch killed in action.
"I put down the paper and I thought, 'This can't be the end of his story,'" Alvis said. "We need to permanently record this man's impact on the community."
Falkel, a 2001 graduate of ThunderRidge High School, was killed in combat in Deh Afghan, Afghanistan.
Exactly one year after Falkel's death, in August 2006, the Highlands Ranch Veterans Monument Committee, of which Alvis is chair, kicked off its fundraising efforts with the goal of reaching $200,000.
To date, $180,000 has been raised.
"I think it is a perfect location, with so many families coming in and out of the library and park," Alvis said of the monument. "It's a little sense of the cost of what our freedom is."
An engraved stone at the monument pays special tribute to Falkel and Highlands Ranch soldier Sgt. Jon Stiles, who was killed in
Afghanistan in November 2008.
Michael Anderson, of Lone Tree, a navy veteran, said the monument is "a tremendous idea" to honor the men and women who have served the country.
Rows of dedication tiles recognizing military achievements from World War I to present day span the monument. The monument currently has the names of 324 men and women.
Anderson said his sister bought him a tile as a gift.
"It was one of the greatest Christmas presents I've ever received," he said.
For more information on the monument or purchasing tiles, go to
www.hrvets.org.