Photo By Matthew Wheeler | BRIGHTON, Co. (May 29, 2023) Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Coastguardsman manning the...... read more read more
DENVER, Co. - (August 7, 2023) It has been years of work in the making with Adams County figuring out a way to celebrate our veterans. Adam’s County Commissioner, Mr. Charles “Chaz” Tedesco, a Navy veteran, helped set up the Veteran’s Advisory Board, consisting of veterans and family members of veterans. The county decided to build a park with the USS Colorado (BB-45) as its centerpiece to display a memorial more uniquely and showcase our naval and state heritage.
“The veterans memorial stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of our community, a labor of love that has brought us together,” said Tedesco.
During some of the planning, Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Rocky Mountain was able to be a part of the Veteran’s Advisory Committee. Command Master Chief Benjamin Chester introduced to the committee a Navy custom and tradition called, Mast Stepping. Mast stepping is the practice of placing coins under the step of the mast, which originated with the ancient Greeks and Romans. They believed due to the dangers of early sea travel, placing coins under the mast was needed to pay Charon, the ferryman, for the crew to cross into the afterlife in case the ship sank. Though, today, the mast stepping ceremony involves placing or welding coins and other significant objects into a hollow part of the mast or ship. It is seen as a traditional moment in a ship's construction which is thought to bring good luck. This tradition is essentially a “Time Capsule” onboard the ship.
On December 7th, 2022, a day that continues to live in infamy, Adams County held the Mast Stepping Ceremony for the staff and construction workers working on the memorial. At that time, NTAG Rocky Mountain Chiefs Mess and Command Leadership placed challenge coins into the time capsule. Along with the coins were letters written by loved ones, blueprints, and medals worn by Commissioner Tedesco’s father when he served in the Army. The time capsule was then carried and hoisted into the memorial mast, where it was welded in place.
Construction continued through Memorial Day, which was when the county held the grand opening. “We have a ship! We have a ship, in Colorado,” said Tedesco. The Commissioner then welcomed the public and introduced Seaman First Class Ken Jones, who enlisted into the Navy at age 19 during World War II. Now, Mr. Jones, age 96, is one of the few remaining shipmates who served onboard the USS Colorado (BB-45) during that time. As the spirit of the memorial is to represent all services and to continue with Navy Customs and Traditions, active duty members from all services in the Denver Metro area were standing by to bring the ship to life. Then, Ken Jones ordered, “man the rails” to Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Timothy Buckner of the Guard Resiliency Integration Team, Buckley Space Force Base.
“This memorial is a reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by those who came before us, who serve now, and who will protect us in the future. It ignites a flame of valor and patriotism in the hearts of future generations. And it will be a beacon of hope, reminding us of the responsibility we bear to uphold the principles and freedoms upon which this great nation was built.,” said Steve O’Dorisio, Board of County Commissioners Chair. “And by incorporating public art elements into the project, we can enrich the experience and pride of our constituents who use these amenities.”
Since the opening of the Veteran’s Memorial, NTAG Rocky Mountain has continued to show the public our time-honored customs and traditions. June 1st, 2023, marked the 65th birthday of the Senior and Master Chief rank, and held the first military pinning ceremony for Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Jason Bush at the memorial.
Navy Talent Acquisition Group Rocky Mountain encompasses the states of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and parts of Idaho, Nebraska, and Kansas, providing Navy Recruiting services from more than 30 dispersed offices. (U.S. Navy photo by Matthew Wheeler, NTAG Rocky Mountain Public Affairs/Released)
| Date Taken: | 08.07.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 08.08.2023 16:17 |
| Story ID: | 450874 |
| Location: | BRIGHTON, COLORADO, US |
| Web Views: | 66 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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