Colorado State Capitol Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony to honor Gold Star Families

Photo By Chief Warrant Officer Ray Casares | This holiday tree at the Colorado State Capitol Dec. 7, 2016, recognizes the more than 100 military members from Colorado who gave their lives in the defense of our nation since Sept. 11, 2001. Gold Star Family members hang an ornament in memory of their service member on the tree each year at the annual tree lighting ceremony. The State of Colorado’s Holiday tree traditions follow very closely with ceremonies celebrated nationally. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. Ray Casares)  

CENTENNIAL, CO, UNITED STATES

11.28.2018

Courtesy Story

Colorado National Guard

FOR RELEASE:
Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018

CONTACT:
Staff Sergeant Joseph VonNida, 720-250-1058, [e-mail]

CENTENNIAL, Colo. – The Adjutant General of Colorado U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael Loh will preside over the State of Colorado Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, in honor of Gold Star Families, at the north foyer of the State Capitol, Denver, Nov. 29, 2018, at 12 p.m.

A Colorado National Guard color guard and 101st Army Band will also participate in the ceremony.

More than 100 military members from Colorado, including five Colorado National Guard members, gave their lives in the defense of our nation since Sept. 11, 2001. Since those terrorist attacks on our nation, Colorado First Families have chosen repeatedly to dedicate Colorado’s Capitol Holiday Tree in honor of our Gold Star Families.

“Our fallen warriors and their Gold Star Families have sacrificed on behalf of our state and nation,” General Loh said. “This beautifully decorated tree symbolizes our heartfelt gratitude for what they gave.”

The term "Gold Star" refers to a military service banner that is defined as a white field with a blue border and a gold star for each family member that died in defense of our nation. The term “Gold Star” refers to the gold star on the banner.

The State of Colorado’s Holiday tree tradition follows very closely with those ceremonies celebrated nationally. The Colorado tree is decorated in the national colors – red, white and blue.

The tree is a sub-alpine fir. The Colorado State Forest Service, Fort Collins, Colorado, harvested it at 8,500 feet in northern Larimer County on State Trust Land as part of wildfire mitigation efforts.

The Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs provided the patriotic decorations. The Capitol Complex Grounds Employees decorated this year’s Capitol Tree.

The ceremony is open to the public.

The State Capitol is at 200 East Colfax, Denver, CO 80203.

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• Date Taken: 11.28.2018
• Date Posted: 11.28.2018 14:50
• Story ID: 301498
• Location: CENTENNIAL, CO, US