A hero is defined as a person of unmatched courage, admired for bravery and noble deeds. Heroes can be seen in movies, within our families, among strangers, or at work. One type of hero that stands out above all others and whose selflessness deserves a lifetime of merit and respect are the men and women who willingly give up their freedom so we can keep ours.

Colorado’s vast military history began long before it became a state in 1876. With numerous museums, memorials, and ruins, one could spend a lifetime learning about our armed forces. Here are some Colorado military highlights.

The Centennial State is home to Academy Air Force Base, Buckley Base, Cheyenne Mountain Base, Peterson Base, Schriever Base, Fort Carson Base, and Pueblo Chemical Depot Base. Bases haven’t been the only military operations in our state, however.

According to Colorado historians, the US Army operated one of the state’s first military bases, Fort Garland, between 1858 and 1883. It was neglected for several decades before it underwent restoration during the mid-twentieth century. Today, the fort is one of History Colorado’s regional museums in the San Luis Valley.

Two years after the Colorado Gold Rush and only a few months after Congress established the Colorado territory, the American Civil War began in 1861. This war within the nation triggered a series of battles in our state, including the Sand Creek Massacre, the Battle of Julesburg, and the American Ranch Massacre.

From 1878 to 1891, Fort Lewis was another US Army-operated post. The camp was founded in Pagosa Springs, but by 1880 was moved to Hesperus. Ten years later, troops began vacating the fort, leading to its fate of becoming the temporary Ute Indian Agency and then an Indian Boarding School.

Forty-three thousand Coloradoans served in the military or were training during World War I. Over 1,000 of our state’s soldiers died, and almost 2,000 veterans were wounded. We lost more than 3,400 Colorado soldiers during World War II and 500 in the American Civil War.

Of the almost six million residents in Colorado, roughly 400,000 are veterans; many of whose military stories begin with great-great-grandfathers and grandmothers. Their memories are honored at one of 20+ sites across the state, including the Colorado Veteran’s Monument, Colorado Freedom Memorial, Pikes Peak National Cemetery, Nederland Veterans Memorial Park, and Fort Logan National Cemetery, to name a few.

Ruins and structures built in honor of our soldiers are Camp George West Historic District and Colorado Amphitheater Structure #41 in Golden, Camp Hale in Eagle County, Carlton House, and Cadet Chapel in Colorado Springs.

Tombstones and archives aren’t the only ways Colorado celebrates our veterans. From races to parades and music festivals to candlelight vigils, almost every city and town hosts an event in honor of our bravest.

As of 2022, Mr. Harold Nelson, 107 years old, is Colorado’s oldest veteran. Nelson was honored for his sacrifice during WWII, receiving a Silver Star medal at a Fort Carson ceremony on October 5. Other Colorado veterans who survived into their 90s and 100s are Arthur Whisennand, Franklin Moon, Jim Swanson, Earl Depner, and Ed Krekorian.

No one will ever know the meaning of war the way a veteran will. All we can do is express gratitude and offer help. Not much when compared to everything a soldier goes through, and they do it all willingly, regardless of costs, and with little reward.

Heroes come in all forms. Sometimes they wear capes and live in our imaginations. More often than not, it’s the person you just walked past on the street or the quiet neighbor who lives with the memory of war. It’s the young lads packing their bags, hugging their families goodbye, and entering the world of uncertainty.

Though this feature acknowledges Colorado veterans, it doesn’t diminish the service of the millions of men and women worldwide who have served, are serving, and will serve. Hats off to you all, including the ones who never return home. Your heroism will forever inspire, be appreciated, remembered, and honored.

If you are or know a Colorado veteran and would like help, please visit: https://vets.colorado.gov/ To get involved with a state veteran program or make a donation visit: https://dmva.colorado.gov/ or https:// coloradoveteransproject.org/.