“The idea was, let’s use the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks to reclaim this day for America — to always remember, but to turn it into a day celebrating and honoring those who still serve us, the military and the first responders,” says Randy Blauvelt, spokesman for the Colorado Charity Alliance, which is hosting the event. That alliance is actually made up of some sixty charities, from the Sentinels Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. “As far as I know, this is the only 9/11 event that supports first responders and veterans and their families,” Blauvelt says.
As far as what the event will entail, well, let’s just say pretty much everything that makes America great: two dozen Colorado bands, more than 100 vendors with food and merchandise, an Air Force flyover, a motorcycle rally, a hot rod show, a display of over 10,000 flags representing all the people who died in 9/11 and in the subsequent conflicts it spurred and even a motorcycle-drawn hearse carrying a piece of the World Trade Center, courtesy of the local funeral home Horan & McConaty.
It all happens today from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, and — like America — it’s free (though some components cost money). For details and more information, visit www.911freedomrally.org.
Sun., Sept. 11, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., 2011
