Local American Legion Post Hosts Free Dinner and Grandiose Ceremony for Veterans
Trevor Phipps
Every year, residents in Teller County come out in huge numbers in supporting the region’s military veterans, a process that is capped by a special dinner and a slew of ceremonies at the Ute Pass Cultural Center in Woodland Park.
And similar to past years, the signature veterans tribute event featured a packed house.
Through the combination of the national holidays and the area’s Salute to American Veterans Rally, residents often get a chance to thank those who are responsible for their freedom. Due to its proximity to several military bases, the Ute Pass region is home to several active duty military personnel and veterans. In fact, in Teller County, one out of every six male residents is a veteran, as well as one out of every nine women.
As a result, the Veterans Day holiday in Teller Country, formerly known as “Armistice Day,” in Teller County is always celebrated in grandiose fashion. This year, the veteran appreciation events started a day early and then proceeded to the evening of Nov. 11.
On Nov. 10, the Teller County Veterans Task Force held a special “Teller County Veteran Appreciation Event.” From 4 to 7 p.m. at Woodland Park’s Ute Pass Cultural Center, the veterans’ organization gave away food and prizes as a way to give a nod to their fellow veterans. The event even offered free haircuts to those who wanted them.
Then the main annual event took place on Veterans Day with the doors of the Ute Pass Cultural Center opening at 4 p.m.
The event first gave a chance for veteran friends to reunite and enjoy talking about experiences they can only discuss amongst themselves. Some veterans who may have been new to the city got a chance to meet their fellow veteran brothers and sisters.
By 5 p.m., the room was packed with virtually every seat taken. The large crowd featured many veterans and their families from Woodland Park and nearby areas to all sections of Teller County, Colorado Springs and El Paso Country, to even more remote places, such as Hartsel.
According to Teller County Commission Chairman and military veteran Dan Williams, since the Colorado Springs area is so large and there are so many veterans, the American Legion posts in the city are not able to offer a large dinner to recognize the holiday. Teller County, though, is a small enough to put on a decent-sized dinner for free. Therefore, many veterans travel to Woodland Park on this day just for the camaraderie.
Williams was the main speaker for the event, and he was joined by other American Legion members for the ceremonies. Dinner included food provided by Roy’s Crew BBQ, the American Legion Auxiliary Club and local elk chili made by Williams himself. The food was served by Auxiliary members and staff from Jess’ Place bar and restaurant.
The ceremony started with a color guard presentation and a prayer. Williams then took a moment to honor a local Gold Star family who had lost a child while serving in the military.
After the Gold Star presentation and a short speech from Williams, the floor was then given to Woodland Park resident and American Legion member Robbie Cox. Cox (who recently lost his wife Kim Cox) led the POW/MIA ceremony after a brief hiatus from the annual event. The purpose of the ceremony is to honor all of those who never made it home from war.
“As we stand in silence to our departed comrades, may we sincerely say, ‘May their souls rest in peace,’” Cox said emotionally.
After the official ceremonies, Williams took the floor once again to address the large crowd of fellow veterans. Williams brought up the recent challenges many veteran families have faced with the government shutdown.
He reminded everyone how the county got together to help those in need (including local veterans) once it was announced that the shutdown would cause SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits to be delayed for the month of November. “I want to thank each and every one of you,” Williams said. “We had a lot of veterans out there helping. Nobody’s going hungry this year. We had over 500 vehicles come through the Little Chapel of the Hills Food Pantry yesterday.”
Before opening the food line, Williams then took a chance to explain the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day. Williams explained that Memorial Day is sad because it is for all of the men and women that never came home from war. Veterans’ Day on the other hand is the holiday meant to honor those who served that are still living.
Before dinner was served, Williams turned the floor over to local part time pastor Aaron Helstrom, who served in the Marines for 22 years. “I want to thank you all for being here tonight because this is our family,” Helstrom said. “This is our community. You are the lifeblood that makes the heartbeat of America beat strong.”
