Showing posts with label Memorial Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Memorial Day. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Today We Honor Our Veterans


Our veteran service people have done more for their country than any other demographic. Not only have they defended this country through it's many wars and skirmishes, but the vast majority of them have gone on to have productive careers, continued to be good, contributing citizens and pillars of the community. Many more never came home.

But it is not by chance that we celebrate Veteran's Day on November 11th. Today is also Remembrance Day and Armistice Day in other parts of the world. This refers to the signing of the Armistice in France at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 to end World War One.

If you love your freedom, thank a veteran.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Memorial Day in Boulder

Boulder, Colorado has something of a reputation as a town run by goofy people. Certainly if you look at the decisions of the city council, (passing resolutions against the Iraq war, declaring that pet owners are now animal guardians) not to mention the antics of Ward Churchill, it may not be a surprise to know that those of us who live outside Boulder city limits refer to the town as "seventeen square miles surrounded by Reality".

But one thing that we can all be proud of Boulder for is its hosting every Memorial Day for the past 31 years of the Bolder Boulder 10K run. This is one of the most popular and well-attended 10k street races in the country. Professional runners from countries like Ethiopia compete here. Tens of thousands of amateur runners and walkers run the ten kilometers (about 6.2 miles) every Memorial Day for fun.

And the race is linked directly to remembrance of our veterans with a flyover by military aircraft and participation in the run by many of our local servicemen and women.

Every year, people show up along the route to show their support for the runners. You will find guys with a guitar and an amp standing at the side of the road, playing to the crowd. There are at least two groups of belly dancers, Blues Brothers impersonators, and some pretty good local bands.















This year, my wife and I hung out on Pearl Street with our friends from King For a Day (KFAD), a local rock band. Above Right photo: left to right, Vicar (lead guitar), Simon (acoustic guitar and vocals), Goose (bass guitar)and Johnny (drums).

But the Bolder Boulder isn't just about running and music, it's definitely a chance for some self-expression:















Below, KFAD's Vic(left) and Goose rockin' out with the runners.



















But you know the really great thing about Memorial Day in Bolder?



Nobody gets left out...