45th Annual

Memorial Day Ceremonies

May 26, 2003

    Every year, for the past 45 years, veterans, family members and friends of the 10th Mountain Division gather at the 10th Memorial at Tennessee Pass to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

    The 10th Mountain Division Memorial consists of a large block of marble, inscribed with the names of 992 fallen comrades.

They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,

we will remember them.

                                                              --Lawrence Binyon

    Earl Clark, Chairman Emeritus of the 10th Mountain Division Association, welcomed the veterans and their families. 10th Mountain Division Living History Display Group President Dave Little acted as Master of Ceremonies. Gene Hames, Chairman of the Board, 10th Mountain Division Foundation, said the Memorial Prayer. Maj. General Mason C. Whitney, Adjutant General for the State of Colorado, was the keynote speaker. 10th Mountain Division Descendant Flint Whitlock conducted the Invocation and Benediction. The Lake County High School Band provided the music. Local VFW posts provided the members to render the colors.

Earl Clark welcomes the veterans and their families.

        Members of the 10th Mountain Division Living History Display Group escorted veterans and family members in the wreath laying ceremony.

    Later, a squad of the 10th Mountain Division Living History Display Group marched out and fired a 21-round salute.

    At the conclusion of the ceremonies, Earl Clark took time to recognize people who contribute to the memory of the 10th Mountain Division. Debbie Gemar, Denver Public Librarian who maintains the 10th Mountain Division Collection was 'coined'. Receiving a 10th Mountain Division coin, engraved with the saying, "We Climb to Conquer" is a high honor. Earl Clark also called forward the members of the 10th Mountain Division Living History Display Group and 'coined' each and every one of them.

    Afterwards, the veterans and their families enjoyed a lunch at the Ski Cooper Lodge.