On Sunday, May 27, a local Army veteran, Sgt. Phillip Gordano, will receive a Purple Heart in a ceremony at the Veterans Plaza of Northern Colorado in Spring Creek Community Park at the west end of Horsetooth Road. The program begins at noon and the keynote address will be delivered by Marine Corps Staff Sgt. John P. Jones, who lost both legs while serving in Iraq.
The day of free events begins at 9 a.m. and will feature veterans of various wars on hand to speak about their experiences, displays of vintage military vehicles and a Blackhawk helicopter, military re-enactors, food, music and a 5K fun run from Hughes Stadium to the plaza. Register for the run at www.active.com. Parking is limited at the park, so a shuttle will be available from Hughes.
More traditional observances will take place on Monday at the Veterans Memorial in Edora Park, 1420 E. Stuart St. (near Prospect Road and Riverside Avenue), in Fort Collins. Members of the American Legion will conduct services there beginning at 8:45 a.m., with a military flyover set for 9:15 a.m. Services will also be held at Grandview Cemetary at 10:30 a.m. and at Roselawn Cemetary at 1:30 p.m.
Most state, county and city offices will be closed on Monday, and there will be no mail delivery. State and national parks will be open, although visitors centers may not be staffed.
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