Cripple Creek is set to host one of the region's longest-running military tributes next weekend, as riders and supporters gather for the annual Salute to American Veterans Rally and its accompanying POW/MIA Recognition Ride.
The ride is now in its 39th year. Founded in the 1980s, the rally and ride at the time helped bring together mainly Vietnam veterans, who were not welcomed home to their communities, to show them they are valued and appreciated, according to organizer Jim Wear. It has since served to help build camaraderie across generations of veterans who have faced similar but distinctive struggles.
The ceremony is the centerpiece of the two-day event that starts on Friday and features live music, food and vendors, Wear said. Those participating in the POW/MIA Recognition Ride will gather at Woodland Park High School on Saturday before riding to Cripple Creek, where a remembrance ceremony will be held at noon. The ride departs Woodland Park at 10 a.m. Saturday, and supporters can line the streets and U.S. 24 between Woodland Park and Divide, and Colorado 67 between Divide and Cripple Creek.
Fort Carson military police officers will also be giving three demonstrations on Saturday afternoon in Cripple Creek Park to show off the dogs' skills, such as detection. Wear described it as an uncommon chance for the public to observe working military animals up close. "That's a really rare opportunity for people to get to see these military dogs work," he said.
Wear spoke to the personal impact the event has had on individual veterans over the decades. Some World War II veterans were ashamed of being captured in battle and hid their history for years; in one case, a WWII veteran felt the rally and bikers had done more to honor his experience and that of his fellow POWs than the government had or ever would. In another instance, a young veteran who had lost his leg had planned to take his own life before his friend invited him to the rally. The young man had given away his dog, broken up with his girlfriend, and closed his bank account in preparation. After attending with his friend, he found some strength to go on, and five years later he had rebuilt his life with a new dog and a new girlfriend, Wear recalled. "What it's really about is putting these people together in a situation where they can heal," he said.
Wear expects about 10,000 people to attend the event this year. The festival is always free and open to the public, while the ride carries a $10 registration fee. Schedule and registration information is available at www.theveteransrally.org or by calling 719-487-8005.
Final attendance figures and details from the noon remembrance ceremony in Cripple Creek are expected to be available following the event next weekend.