Every July 4 th is a special time for our country. We reflect and celebrate the great freedoms our forefathers gave us with their sacrifices. This Independence Day is even more special than most in Thornton, as we have the opportunity to host the traveling Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. This special event will be open from July 3 rd through July 7 th at the Thornton Recreation Center fields at 112 th and Colorado Bouldevard.

I have had the honor to see the permanent memorial in Washington, D.C., and it is a moving experience. I feel a special connection to this particular war because my father served in Vietnam while I was born. My mother knew the anxiety of her husband's absence and the risk he took while she gave birth to her first child, and I thank God that daddy came home safe so that I could grow up with both parents.

This is why we build memorials. We honor those that have made the ultimate sacrifice and we thank those that return to their loved ones. We owe them a debt of gratitude. I never had the opportunity to serve in the armed forces, and I feel this debt to our armed services personnel who fought so that I didn't have to.

This July 4 th will be like many others. We will watch our fireworks and eat our hotdogs. But this time I ask you to do something else. Take time out and go to this memorial, bring your children and grandchildren, and thank our military personnel for their service. Support this special event, and support the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation through a donation of your time or your financial resources. For more details visit their website at www.thorntonveteransmemorial.org.

Erik Hansen
Thornton Mayor