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Program: Rick Crandall and the Colorado Freedom Memorial –25 Years in the Making and More to Come
September 16 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Monday, September 16, 2024
Doors Open at 6:30 pm
Enjoy complimentary refreshments and browse our partner tables before the program.
Program 7:00-8:30 pm
Southridge Recreation Center
4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch
$5 Donation Suggested at Door for non-HRHS members
On May 30, 2000, Rick Crandall broadcast his morning radio show from the American Cemetery above Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. After the four-hour program the equipment was packed up and the thank-yous were shared and then Rick took one last walk through the cemetery not realizing he would be carrying something home with him and it was something he couldn’t shake.
For the last 25 years the Colorado Freedom Memorial and Rick Crandall have been synonymous. What started as an idea after a radio broadcast from France has become one of the most unique military memorials in the country, and it’s about to get bigger!
This is the first memorial in America dedicated to ALL wars, ALL branches of service and containing the names of all those who died from a single state in those wars.
The Colorado Freedom Memorial is located in Aurora, Colorado near Buckley Air Force Base. Constructed of glass panels that reflect Colorado’s mountains and blue skies the Memorial holds the names of over 6,000 Coloradans killed or missing in action. They are grouped by war, but names will not be alphabetically listed. Much of the Colorado Freedom Memorial is meant to reflect the chaos of war, including the shuffling of names.
PRESENTER: RICK CRANDALL
For 30 years Rick was the host of the Breakfast Club on AM 1430, KEZW and during that time built a close relationship with the veteran community. In 2012 Rick was named the Colorado Broadcaster of the Year for his work on the air and with numerous nonprofit organizations. It is, though, the Colorado Freedom Memorial that is closest to his heart.
PARTNER TABLES AND EVENTS
Christopher M. Falkel American Legion Post 1260 Will be on hand to Present and Retire the Colors. Post Commander Joe Langran will give a brief update on the name change of the Highlands Ranch Post to the Christopher M. Falkel American Legion Post 1260.
There will also be a table with information about the Highlands Ranch Veterans Monument.