Thornton

Thornton, Colorado
July 3 - 6, 2008

I visited Thornton, Colorado July 3 through July 6 during their Independence Day celebration. In conjunction with the city's activities, the Thornton Veteran's Memorial Foundation (Jim Branaugh is Vice-Chairman) sponsored the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. There was a fund-raising dinner on Thursday night, followed on Friday by opening ceremonies. Rick Beaver and the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association brought their converted semi-trailer they use as a Vietnam aviation museum. The spectacular fireworks show drew thousands of people. Following are some photos of the weekend:

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Fund Raiser Dinner Site

Jim Branaugh &
Jim Bracewell

"Headquarters" Tent

VHPA Museum Van

VHPA Rocky Mountain
Chapter Logo

Branaughs at Dinner

Pathway to Stage

View of Wall

Another View of Wall

Larry's Panel

Jim & Jim
at Larry's Panel

Five Lines Down

Branaugh, Udall, Guererro,
Bracewell, Branaugh

Congressman Mark Udall

Opening Ceremony Prep

Skydivers

Fireworks

Char & Jim
Watching Firworks

Thousands of Spectators

Lovebirds

On Saturday, Jim and Char invited Rick Beaver, Artie Guererro, and me to visit Larry's grave at Fort Logan National Cemetery.

Four Brothers

Larry's Headstone

Jim Branaugh Listening to Stories from Artie & Rick

Sunday's closing ceremony included the 101st Army Band, speakers, a candlelight ceremony, firing squad, and retirement of the colors.
The end of a spectacular, yet, emotion-stirring weekend.

Speakers: