I visited Thornton, Colorado July 3 through July 6, 2008, 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:
Thornton, Colorado
July 3 - 6, 2008
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Jim Branaugh &
Jim Bracewell
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VHPA Rocky Mountain
Chapter Logo
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Jim & Jim
at Larry's Panel
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Branaugh, Udall, Guererro,
Bracewell, Branaugh
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Fireworks
Char & Jim
Watching Fireworks
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Jim Branaugh Listening to Stories
from Artie & Rick
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Eternal Flame. Another
example of the outstanding
support provided by the City
of Thornton.
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Jim, Artie, and Jim preparing
for the candlelight ceremony.
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Jim and Jim lighting candles
from the Eternal Flame.
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Jim and Jim lighting Artie's candle.
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On Saturday, Jim and Char invited Rick Beaver, Artie Guererro,
and me to visit Larry's grave at Fort Logan National Cemetery.
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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.
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Candles were lit from the Eternal Flame.
Then the flame was passed along by Jim, Artie, and Jim to all who attended.
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Air Force Service:
Air Force Years
