I attended the Memorial Day remembrance in Littleton. I also attended the ceremony in Highlands Ranch. At Littleton’s event, the only speakers were veterans and a deceased veteran’s spouse. At HR’s event, they made a point to recognize multiple politicians who were there. And then Ken Buck, CD4’s congressperson, gave the keynote address with his campaign manager present. Mr. Buck never served in the military.

At Littleton’s ceremony, the only people recognized were those who died in wartime service or their family members. Littleton’s mayor and David Ortiz (Littleton’s state House rep who suffered a catastrophic crash as an Army helicopter pilot) were both present. And perhaps some other politicians were too. But no one would have known because the only “guest(s) of honor” were the fallen in the cemetery. For the program, several musical renditions with bagpipes and statements were made along with a 21-gun salute. “Flanders Field” was read along with a moving poem written by Pat Hannon, a Marine KIA and the first Littleton casualty of the Vietnam War and for whom our post is named.

HR’s ceremony may have been more “slick.” But it seemed in poor taste to not make the war dead the sole guests of honor at the event like was done in Littleton. And instead had Buck come with his campaign manager to give the keynote address. His words regarding sacrifice felt quite hollow given the circumstances of his use of the ceremony as a campaign event for self-promotion.

Robert C. Marshall

Retired Marine Corps LtCol

VFW (Lifetime Member - Post 4666)

DAV (Lifetime Member)

Highlands Ranch

(Editor’s Note: Robert Marshall is running for office in the House District 43 race, which covers Highlands Ranch and parts of Douglas County.)