REMEMBERING
By Eric Gemelli
A Memorial Day service was held at the Marine Memorial park at the intersection of highways 6 and 40 in Golden, Colo. A mountain bike worth more than many cars was left unattended and yet was safer than when locked away: it was surrounded by Marines.
Present were some of the most ordinary people who have given extraordinary service. Men and women who risked their lives to ensure the continued freedom of a country that spreads freedom around the world assembled to honor their fallen comrades. Brothers.
Children climbed Ponderosa pine trees while parents and grandparents rested in the shade. Scores of black Harleys lined the parking lot, their passengers already lobster red. Elderly men saluted and embraced each other. Mutual respect was apparent.
This writer’s thanks go to those who have served and especially to those who have given so much, whether a limb or a life.
Former Colorado Governor Owens said it this way in his 30th anniversary proclamation honoring Golden’s Marine Memorial: “WHEREAS, throughout the course of American history brave men and women have served our country in an exemplary manner, in all parts of the world, to secure, defend and maintain the core principles upon which our nation’s freedom depends, and all citizens of the United States have benefited from the selfless sacrifices demonstrated by veterans of all eras in the defense of our country;”
A brief history of the memorial is available at: http://www.mcleaguecolorado.com/mma.htm
