Deadline nears for Veterans Memorial brick orders

COMMERCE CITY – Each year, this city pays tribute to U.S. military veterans with one of the nation’s largest Memorial Day parades, featuring entries honoring all branches and all eras of service. The parade is followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Veterans Memorial.

In 2010, the city renovated the memorial and renamed the park where it stands Veterans Park. During renovation, Commerce City leaders found another way to honor active and retired veterans using nearly 2,000 bricks in the memorial’s foundation and walkway.

Family members, community organizations and residents may purchase one or more bricks for etching of veterans’ names and service information. The first handful of etched bricks was installed last fall in time for Veteran’s Day.

The ongoing brick memorial program makes bricks available for purchase throughout the year. An annual purchase deadline of Feb. 15 has been set to order, etch and reset the bricks in time for Memorial Day each May. Bricks purchased after Feb. 15 will be set the following year.

Bricks are available in sizes of 4x8-inch pavers, $100 each, and 8x8-inch pavers for $250 each. The 8x8 bricks will hold information for two veterans. These fees will help offset the cost of ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the memorial.

Bricks may be purchased at the Commerce City Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Drive. For more information on the program, contact the registration office at 303-289-3789.