Pitkin County hosts Veterans Day ceremony to commemorate those who served
Skyler Stark-Ragsdale/The Aspen Times
The Pitkin County community flooded Main Street sidewalks in Aspen on Veterans Day to commemorate those who served.
Veterans and community members gathered for a Veterans Day Ceremony Monday morning at the Veterans Memorial Park, as veterans, firefighters, and musicians spoke and performed to honor those who sacrificed on behalf of the country.
U.S. Navy Veteran and Aspen Fire department Fire Chief Rick Balentine said they gathered to pay tribute to all veterans who served with courage and dedication, and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.
With 21 rings of a bell, Balentine paid tribute to veterans from Aspen to New Castle who gave their lives in war.
“Let us take this time to feel the weight of their sacrifice and to commit ourselves to live in a way that honors their legacy,” Balentine said. “And to our veterans here today — there are many — we see you, we honor you, and we thank you.”
As he prepared to ring the bell, Balentine asked community members to reflect on the freedoms they enjoy because of the veterans who chose to protect them.
“May we continue to build our community that is worthy of their sacrifice,” Balentine said. “A community that remembers, respects and cherishes the freedoms we have.”
He also acknowledged the sacrifice made by families of veterans, whose lives were forever changed by the loss of their loved ones in war.
Retired Aspen Fire Deputy Chief David “Wabs” Walbert marched at the event as part of the Aspen Fire Honor Guard, which honors fallen firefighters and veterans.
“Giving your life for others is the ultimate service,” Walbert said. “It’s giving everything.”
Pitkin County Veteran Services Officer Adam Lazaro, one of the main organizers of the event, said celebrating Veterans Day is important because there is a disconnect between veterans and the rest of the world. Veterans can struggle as they go through their lives after serving, he said.
“When they come out, they’re remembered, they’re appreciated,” he said after the event.
By celebrating Veterans Day, veterans can find companionship and realize the bond that still exists between those who served, he said. Lazaro served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2006 to 2011.
Lazaro credited Charles Hopton — who hosted the event, served in the Korean War, and helped found the Western Slope Veterans Coalition — in helping put together Monday’s Veterans Day Ceremony. The Aspen Fire Department and John Bokrom, who played trumpet in the ceremony, also played a big part in organizing the event, he said.
Balentine said after the ceremony that celebrating Veterans Day is important to keep younger generations aware of the work necessary to defend democracy, particularly given the current global conflicts.
“There’s a price to keeping our democracy safe,” Balentine said.
The event happens every year at 11 a.m. Nov. 11. Locations for the event may vary, but attendees can find information on the Pitkin County website.
Skyler Stark-Ragsdale can be reached at 970-429-9152 or email him at sstark-ragsdale@aspentimes.com.
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The event is a major fundraiser for the Aspen-based not-for-profit Chris Klug Foundation.
