A day for honoring America's heroes

Bergen Meadow Elementary students walked from their school to the Veterans Memorial in Buchanan Park on Tuesday morning to commemorate the Sept. 11, 2001, tragedy and pay tribute to those who serve the community.

Philip Poston

From left, Elk Creek firefighters Tyler Hayden, Andrew Mashburn, Vince Van Binsbergen and Clint Sayler prepare for the 9/11 Stair Climb at Red Rocks on Tuesday, the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

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“This year we felt like we need to honor heroes in our community,” said Bergen Meadow principal Peggy Miller.

Before going to the park, students stood around the flag pole at the school and watched American Legion members David Rommelmann, Terry Pudwill and Mike Lynch raise the flag and then lower it to half-staff in memory of those who died 11 years ago.

Miller noted that none of the students at the school was born when the terrorist attacks occurred.

After singing “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” the children presented art they had created for the occasion to Evergreen Fire/Rescue staff, Jeffco sheriff’s deputies and legionnaires.

Evergreen Fire Chief Mike Weege and Charles Dykeman, fire district board member, led a group of youngsters from the school grounds to the memorial in the park.

Rommelmann explained to the youngsters that the American Legion built the memorial to honor soldiers.

After offering a wreath for the memorial, students placed red, yellow and white roses on stone monuments, each of which designates a war in which American soldiers have served.

Contact reporter Sandy Barnes at sandy@evergreenco.com or call 303-350-1042.