Colorado Freedom Memorial
A unique memorial honoring Coloradans from all military branches who died in service, featuring etched glass panels and granite pillars.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Peaceful reflection
Colorado Freedom Memorial
Best Time
Peaceful reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique memorial honoring Coloradans from all military branches who died in service, featuring etched glass panels and granite pillars.
"A stunningly beautiful, peaceful, and artfully sculpted memorial in honor of all Coloradans who lost their lives serving."
Locate Names Easily
Use the alphabetical binder or interactive kiosk to find specific names on the memorial wall. :mag_right:
Check for Events
Annual events like 'Light Their Way Home' offer a profound way to honor fallen heroes. :calendar:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Glass Panel Wall
Main Memorial Area
Thousands of etched names on zigzagging glass panels create a poignant, reflective display of sacrifice.
Granite Pillars of Remembrance
Adjacent to the Glass Wall
Eight pillars detail Colorado's fallen soldiers by country, highlighting the global reach of their sacrifice.
Alphabetical Binder & Kiosk
Near the Glass Wall
Easily locate names of fallen heroes with the accessible binder or the (sometimes functional) interactive kiosk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Reflection
Understanding the Memorial's Scope
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Locate Names Easily
Use the alphabetical binder or interactive kiosk to find specific names on the memorial wall. :mag_right:
Check for Events
Annual events like 'Light Their Way Home' offer a profound way to honor fallen heroes. :calendar:
Respectful Attire
Dress respectfully for this solemn place of remembrance. :pray:
Bring Water & Snacks
There are covered picnic tables, perfect for a quiet break. :water_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
Locate Names Easily
Use the alphabetical binder or interactive kiosk to find specific names on the memorial wall. :mag_right:
Check for Events
Annual events like 'Light Their Way Home' offer a profound way to honor fallen heroes. :calendar:
Respectful Attire
Dress respectfully for this solemn place of remembrance. :pray:
Bring Water & Snacks
There are covered picnic tables, perfect for a quiet break. :water_wave:
Consider a Donation
Support the memorial's upkeep and future visitor center. :heart:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Colorado Freedom Memorial for its beautiful and thoughtful design, offering a deeply moving tribute to fallen Coloradans. Many appreciate the comprehensive nature of the memorial, honoring all branches of service. While the interactive kiosk's functionality can be inconsistent, the presence of an alphabetical binder ensures easy access to names.
"Came to see this memorial while we were in Aurora. My husband has a friend he served with on the wall here. Was a very beautiful and simple display to pay respect and to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. As a veteran it always hits harder to see these memorials but it's also nice to know those who lost their lives are not forgotten ❤"
Kassy McKimmey
"Above and beyond what I was expecting. So much thought and care have gone into creating this memorial. It is something that has to be experienced in person to appreciate the hard work that went into everything. Thank you for making such an incredible memorial for these Colorado men and women from all military branches!"
Anessa
"Came to Colorado Freedom Memorial to pay my respects to the fallen of my state. This is a very beautiful memorial! The zigzagging plexiglass and steel wall is etched with names, in no apparent order. There's a binder, easy to access, with the names in alphabetical order to explain where on the wall a particular name is located.
Near the wall are eight red granite rectangular pillars, one for each country's American cemeteries of WWII dead. France, Netherlands, Philippines, England, Luxembourg...with the number of Colorado dead in each one. An incredible number are buried in the Philippines.
There is a spacious covered picnic pavilion. There are restrooms, but they're locked. There is an interactive kiosk next to the stand where the binder is, but it didn't work.
The flags were at half-staff."
Amy Wagner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Colorado Freedom Memorial is located in Aurora, Colorado, near Buckley Air Force Base. It's situated on Telluride Street, just north of 6th Avenue. Many visitors arrive by car, and there is ample parking available. It's also accessible via bike paths like the Highline Canal Trail for those seeking active transportation.
Information on direct public transportation routes to the Colorado Freedom Memorial can be limited. It's advisable to check local Aurora transit schedules for bus routes that may get you close to the general area, and then potentially a short walk or ride-share.
The memorial is located near Buckley Air Force Base and is accessible from major roads like 6th Avenue. It's a good landmark to use when navigating the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Colorado Freedom Memorial is free. It is a public space dedicated to honoring fallen service members, and access is open to everyone.
The memorial is generally accessible during daylight hours, allowing for reflection and visits. However, specific hours can vary, and it's always a good idea to check for any special event schedules or potential closures.
Yes, the memorial is particularly poignant to visit on holidays like Memorial Day and Veterans Day, though it is open year-round. Special ceremonies and events are often held on these dates. 
While the memorial grounds are generally open, it's best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the displays and ensure safety. Access to facilities like restrooms may be restricted outside of specific times.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Take your time to walk along the glass panels, read the names, and reflect on the granite pillars. Utilize the alphabetical binder to find specific individuals. The atmosphere is designed for quiet contemplation and remembrance.
There is an interactive kiosk intended to provide information about the fallen heroes. While it may not always be functional, the memorial also provides a binder with an alphabetical listing of names for easy reference.
The memorial site includes a spacious covered picnic pavilion, making it a suitable spot for a quiet break. Restrooms are available, though they may be locked outside of certain hours.
Photography is generally permitted at the Colorado Freedom Memorial, allowing visitors to capture the solemn beauty of the site. However, it's important to be respectful of others who are there for quiet reflection.
The memorial grounds are largely flat and paved, making them accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The design aims to allow all visitors to pay their respects comfortably.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, reflective shots on the glass panels. Consider visiting during special events like 'Light Their Way Home' for unique photographic opportunities.
The zigzagging glass panels, the granite pillars, and the overall serene landscape offer compelling photographic subjects. Capturing the luminaries during special events can also be very impactful.
Always be mindful of other visitors who are there for solemn reflection. Avoid intrusive photography and focus on capturing the respectful and poignant atmosphere of the memorial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Utilize the alphabetical binder to involve children in finding names, turning it into a learning activity. The covered picnic pavilion provides a good spot for a quiet break or a simple meal, making the visit more comfortable for families. Discussing the granite pillars and the countries where Coloradans are buried can also be an engaging way to teach about history and geography.
🎖️ Veterans and Active Duty
Many find solace in knowing that these heroes are not forgotten. The memorial's comprehensive approach, honoring all branches and conflicts, ensures a broad representation of service. Consider attending one of the memorial's special events, such as the 'Light Their Way Home' ceremony, for a particularly impactful experience.
+1🚶♀️ Solo Reflectors
Weekday mornings or late afternoons are particularly recommended for a solitary visit, as crowds are minimal. Take your time to wander, read names, and absorb the peaceful ambiance. The memorial provides a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom and a place to honor those who paid it.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vision Behind the Memorial
The driving force behind this significant project is Rick Crandall, who envisioned a place of profound remembrance and education. The memorial's design, featuring striking glass panels etched with names, aims to create a deeply personal and reflective experience for visitors.The memorial's purpose extends beyond mere commemoration; it seeks to educate future generations about the sacrifices made. Plans are underway to build a Visitor and Education Center, which will further enhance the memorial's role as a place of learning and historical preservation.
This center will provide resources and context, ensuring that the stories of these heroes are not forgotten and that their legacy continues to inspire. Community involvement is a vital part of the memorial's ongoing success. Events like the annual 'Light Their Way Home' ceremony, where luminaries represent each fallen hero, and collaborations with local schools for setup, highlight the collective effort to honor these individuals.
+1 These initiatives underscore the memorial's commitment to keeping the memory of Colorado's fallen heroes alive through active engagement and remembrance.Navigating the Memorial's Design
This unique approach allows for a vast number of names to be displayed while creating an immersive, almost ethereal, atmosphere. The reflective nature of the glass can also evoke a sense of introspection.Complementing the glass panels are eight red granite rectangular pillars. Each pillar is dedicated to a specific country where American cemeteries from WWII are located, such as France, the Netherlands, and the Philippines.
To assist visitors in finding specific individuals, the memorial provides an alphabetical binder that lists all names etched on the wall, along with their location.
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