Veterans Park Plaza in Fort Collins

You may have heard about the Veterans Plaza that will honor all veterans that may be alive or deceased who are connected to Larimer County. This special plaza will include veterans who are currently serving in the armed forces as well.

I'm sure you are aware of the Inspiration Playground that is located at Spring Canyon Park in Fort Collins. The Veterans Plaza will be located adjacent to the playground on three acres of land at the main entrance. This visionary mall will incorporate sandstone paths, native rock, shade trees, and a natural stone stage for celebrating the liberties and freedoms we all share. A bronze statue will convey the story of generations of sacrifice. Without hesitation, the City of Fort Collins donated the land for the plaza.

We cannot forget what this commemoration means - to pay tribute to our country's men and women who fell in the line of duty and those who are currently serving our country around the world. When my father, Lewis Martinez, passed away on Father's Day night in 2000, I couldn't help but reflect that he was a hero that had to abandon ship with many others to save their own lives after their ship was torpedoed during World War II. Dad wasn't worried. He knew somebody would rescue everyone somehow someway. He and the other veterans took this risk for you and me.

Dad believed in America's cause. Many times when I took dad to the Memorial Day or Veteran's Day services, I remember seeing dad's quivering hand salute the American flag. After he left this earth, with deep emotions, I realized he was saluting you and me for what we must do for America, our country. He was saluting those who served their time during the war or at peace time. He was saluting everyone that made a sacrifice for his or her country. He was saluting you for helping all of us in the continued fight to discover America. I want my Dad's recognition posted, and I'm sure you would love to see your family members, friends, and others who served in the armed forces posted as well.

The Veterans Plaza will remind us of our duty to honor not only those we lost in freedom's cause, but to express our appreciation to those who came back home as our veterans. There are more than 25 million American veterans who served their country and community to ensure peace, stop aggression, and actively defend our country during times of crisis.

When I look into the faces of young people, I clearly understand the need to protect them, to reassure them, and to preserve our precious freedom. It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dreams of yesterday are the realities of today, and the hopes of tomorrow.

You can mail in a verification of service to the City of Fort Collins, Park Planning, and Attn: Veterans Plaza, PO Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522. Naturally, this special site needs financial donations to pay for the development, and we need your help. If you can, please make checks out to Community Foundation and indicate "Veterans Plaza" in the memo field. There is also an online tax-deductible donation site at: www.FortCollinsVeteransPlaza.org.

Thank you for all who have served our country!

Honorable military service is the only requirement for being listed at the plaza. The veteran may be alive or deceased and need not currently reside in Larimer County. Either the veteran or the nominator must be a current or past resident of Larimer County.

Verification of service is required.

•· Name / Rank / Branch of Service

•· War in which service was performed, or if not a war veteran, the dates of service.

•· KIA if appropriate and date.

•· Tie to Northern Colorado of either the nominator or veteran.

•· Verification may be DD214, Honorable Discharge Papers, or other suitable proof. Currently serving members can be verified by a statement of service from their chain of command.

Mail verification of service to:

City of Fort Collins, Park Planning
Attn: Veterans Plaza
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522

Mail tax-deductable donations to:

Community Foundation of Northern Colorado

4745 Wheaton Drive, Suite 100

Fort Collins, CO 80525

Donations

Please make checks out to Community Foundation and indicate "Veterans Plaza" in the memo field.

Online tax-deductable donations may be made at: www.FortCollinsVeteransPlaza.org.

The first eighty 1 star ($1,000) or higher contributors may request a "Living Memorial" to be named after a veteran. The "Living Memorial" will be one of the eighty trees that will shade the site. The name of the veteran will be placed on a marker designating their tree.

Donor Recognition
• Permanent recognition at the Memorial (for major contributors over $1,000)