Many people think of Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial start of summer—a chance to get together with friends and family, fire up the grill, or escape to the mountains. Beyond the long weekend traditions, however, Memorial Day is a time to pause and remember the men and women who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military.
A Brief Memorial Day History
Memorial Day dates back to the Civil War era, when General John A. Logan called for a ceremony to pay respects to fallen Union and Confederate soldiers—an observance first known as Decoration Day. On May 30, 1868, thousands gathered at Arlington National Cemetery to decorate the graves of Civil War service members with flowers and flags.
Over time, the tradition expanded to honor all U.S. military personnel who lost their lives in service. In 1971, Memorial Day was officially designated a federal holiday and moved to the last Monday in May.
Memorial Day Traditions & Events Across the Front Range
There are plenty of festivals and events to enjoy over the holiday weekend. But throughout Denver and beyond, many communities also come together to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. If you’re looking for meaningful ways to observe Memorial Day, here are a few events happening across the Front Range:
- BOLDERBoulder Memorial Day Tribute | Boulder | Monday, May 25 at 12:00 pm – After a fun-filled morning of races, a powerful tribute unfolds at the University of Colorado’s Folsom Field—a tradition since 1983 and the nation’s largest Memorial Day ceremony. The event includes military recognitions, patriotic performances, and the Mile-Hi Sky Diving Team carrying flags representing each branch of the military.
- 92nd Anniversary of Remembrance at Fort Logan National Cemetery | Denver | Monday, May 25, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm –This annual ceremony at Fort Logan National Cemetery is one of Colorado’s most meaningful Memorial Day observances, honoring fallen service members in a setting with deep history. Veterans, families, and community members are welcome, and local VA staff will be there to share information about support services and connect attendees with available resources.
- Commerce City Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony | Commerce City | Monday, May 25, 9:00 am – One of Colorado’s largest Memorial Day parades, this community tradition begins with a tribute at Veterans Memorial Park before the parade moves through Commerce City. The event brings together veterans’ organizations, families, and community groups for a day of connection, live music, family-friendly activities, and food trucks!
- Colorado Freedom Memorial | Aurora | Open Memorial Day Weekend –Located in Aurora’s Memorial Park, the Colorado Freedom Memorial is Colorado’s only memorial dedicated exclusively to fallen military heroes from the state. The memorial provides a quiet place to pay respects to the brave throughout the holiday weekend.
- Carousel of Happiness Memorial Day Ceremony | Nederland | Monday, May 25, 12:00 to 1:00 pm – A little further from the Mile High City, this unique and heartfelt ceremony honors fallen service members with a moment of silence inside the beloved Carousel of Happiness. Visitors gather to remember veterans before the carousel takes several slow, silent riderless turns in tribute.
All of us here at TGRP Solutions extend our appreciation to the service members and military families whose sacrifices continue to shape our nation. We wish everyone a safe and reflective Memorial Day weekend!
