Veterans Day 2024 events in Colorado

Veterans Day is a designated day to remember all of those who have served the country in war or peace, dead or alive. It is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11.

In addition to our music and audio special airing Monday at noon, there are several special in-person events in Colorado happening to honor Veterans Day. We’ve highlighted some below.

U.S. Air Force Flyovers

Colorado Air National Guard F-16 Fighting Falcons will honor our veterans with flyovers over Colorado communities. Loveland, Longmont, Westminster and Lakewood flyovers are planned on Mon., Nov. 11 from 11:50am to noon.

Flyovers may be cancelled due to weather and are conducted at no additional cost to the taxpayer, as they serve as training for pilots.

Free entry to Rocky Mountain National Park

Veterans Day is one of the several days per year that include free entry into national parks, including Rocky Mountain National Park.

Veterans Plaza of Northern Colorado

Located in Spring Canyon park in Fort Collins, the Veterans Plaza is a permanent, unique tribute to military veterans. There are stone walls embedded with large LCD monitors scrolling the names of more than 7000 veterans and information about them. The plaza has paved walking paths, large trees, and flags representing America, Colorado, and our country’s military prisoners of war and members killed in action or missing in action. There is also a Flag Drop Box onsite to dispose of old or tattered US flags.

On Sat., Nov. 9 there will be a special Flag Raising and Missing Man Ceremony at the Veterans Plaza.

Denver Veterans Day

Taking place on Sat., Nov. 9, this celebration includes a very popular 5k/10k run/walk and a 10k rucksack challenge followed by a parade that circles Denver’s City Park and a festival in the park. Denver Veterans Day supports the mission of the Colorado Veterans Project. (Note: check the website for any changes or updates due to weather.)

Loveland Veterans Day Parade

The Loveland Veterans Day parade starts at 11:11am on Monday (11/11/24) with a route through downtown Loveland. This year, the parade will be livestreamed.

Colorado State University-Veterans Week

Colorado State University has a Veterans Week planned Nov. 9-15. The week includes a special film showcase presented by the Patton Veterans Project, the Bronze Boot Run, and fall cleanup offering help to the community. There’s also the Military Appreciation CSU/Wyoming football game on Nov. 15 with military helicopters on display and a flyover.

Free breakfast for veterans at Fort Collins Senior Center

As a token of gratitude, veterans can enjoy a free breakfast on Mon., Nov. 11 at the Fort Collins Senior Center from 7am to 10am. Breakfast is provided by the Fort Collins Golden K Kiwanis Club and the Recreation Department.

Estes Park Veterans Day breakfast

This breakfast at the American Legion in Estes Park is free for all veterans and $15 for anyone else wanting to attend.

Air Force Academy Band in Parade, Colorado Springs

This will be the 25th annual Colorado Springs Veterans Day Parade. The parade starts at the Colorado Springs City Hall and will be held on Sat., Nov. 9 starting at 11am.