DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado leaders honored service members and frontline workers at Empower Field at Mile High on Wednesday night, and the Colorado Air National Guard flew over Denver in support of the “Colorado Remembers 9/11” 20th anniversary commemoration.
You can watch the full ceremony at the bottom of this story.
“The Colorado National Guard is honored to pay tribute to all of our patriots who served and sacrificed in defense of freedom in response to the tragic events of 9/11,” the Adjutant General of Colorado U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Laura Clellan said. “This flyover also demonstrates that we are Always Ready, Always There to guard our nation from the ground, air and space against terrorist attacks.”
The night was also an opportunity for Gov. Jared Polis to recognize current educators and first responders.
Among those attending was Denver firefighter Tom Martinez. Martinez joined the U.S. Marines shortly after 9/11. For the past decade, he has worked as a rescue technician for the Denver Fire Department.
“Freedom is huge on my list,” Martinez said. “And there’s a lot of people who work really hard to ensure our freedoms. That’s why it’s important to honor people that have protected that on 9/11.”
A number of Gold Star Families were also in the stands.
U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, Broncos President and CEO Joe Ellis, Peyton Manning, John Elway and singer Kenny Loggins were also in attendance.
Ellis received the Mizel Institute 2021 Community Enrichment Award for outstanding contributions to the community made by him and the Denver Broncos organization; for helping to support the military, first responders and essential workers.
Watch the full ceremony in the FOX31 NOW player below.