Having recently received approval from the Thornton City Council, the Thornton Veterans Memorial is much closer to becoming a reality. Read more about the memorial design below.
About the Thornton Veterans Memorial Project
Our nation's veterans have served and protected the United States for 229 years. They have made sacrifices small and large, all to ensure the freedom of this great nation. The Thornton Veterans Memorial is envisioned as a community project to honor veterans and show our appreciation for the service and sacrifices they and their families have made for this nation.
Final planning for the memorial is now being completed and we are close to making this memorial a reality. The memorial will be a place where all veterans and all branches of the military service will be honored. Quiet reflection can take place, learning can happen, and special ceremonies can be held to honor our nation’s veterans.
More information about the memorial is below. You can also download a brochure and other images in the document section.
The Location
The memorial will be placed at the southwest corner of the park and open space area near the Thornton Recreation Center at 110th and Colorado Boulevard. Comprising an expansive area of land of over ? square mile, the city of Thornton currently has numerous plans to enhance the park including a large lake that will be made in 2008. The location is centrally located providing for easy access to all area residents.
The actual site within the park for the memorial is considered to be an extraordinary spot. It will reside in the highest point in the park affording beautiful views of the mountains, the northern Front Range, and the soon to be constructed lake. The immediate area surrounding the memorial will be a large, open space area that ensures the intimacy and privacy the memorial requires. |
Conceptual Site Plan
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The Memorial Design
| The Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation has created a design that is truly unique and honors all veterans of all branches of service. Primary input on the design of the memorial was obtained from citizens and veterans as well as civic organizations and city leaders. |
Overall Memorial Concept
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| At approximately 150 feet in diameter, the memorial will be quite large and allows ample room for many visitors and for the special ceremonies that will be held once it is built. Special attention is being made to ensure the memorial is fully accessible to all veterans and citizens. With eight foot wide walkways and being completely level it will be totally handicapped accessible. |
"Head On" View of Memorial Concept
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Aerial View of Memorial Concept
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| The design is based on a five point star, the same shape as the stars on the United States flag. In the center of the memorial will be a star of this design laid in the ground with a raised pentagon. Three flag poles holding the United States, Colorado and POW / MIA flags will rise from the middle of the star. These flags will be lit 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ensuring the memorial serves as a reminder of our veterans at all times. Also in the center, a five sided obelisk, meant to invoke the Washington Memorial. Surrounding the star will be a sitting wall where visitors may sit and contemplate the sacrifices of veterans. |
Center Memorial Concept
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| Emanating from the five points of the star are paths leading to monuments for each of the branches of the military - the Army, Navy, Marine Corp, Air Force and the Coast Guard. Each of these individual monuments will have the seal of the branch of service as well as the history of that branch engraved on it in a graphical format. Holders will be incorporated for each branch’s service flag. Another path will connect each monument to the one next to it encircling the entire memorial. |
Service Monument Concept
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Where We Stand Now
Fund raising is starting to ramp up to make this important memorial a reality. We welcome all contributions - of any type - and encourage the community to be involved. This is a park by the community, for the community and most importantly for our veterans.
Please follow the links on this page to learn more about the Foundation and how you can help, and stay up to date with the latest news! Also, a brochure as well as the images here can be downloaded in the document section.
Copyright Notice
All artwork contained on the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation website, all concept plans for the Thornton Veterans Memorial, the "star / pentagon" design and all associated imagery and the memorial's concept and design are copyrighted works by the Thornton Veterans Memorial and Greg Banks. Any use of the imagery or copying of the design and intent of this memorial will be considered a legal violation of federal copyright law.
