Vet's Rally In Cripple Creek

After a three-year absence, the Salute to American Veterans Rally returns to Cripple Creek, Colorado this August. The unique veterans event was held in Cripple Creek from 1992 through 2006, and was relocated to Winter Park from 2007 through 2009.

A spokesman for Pro Promotions announced earlier this summer that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall would be on display from August 19 through August 22 in nearby Victor, Colorado. The Wall, along with the American Veterans Traveling Tribute and “Cost of Freedom” displays have been part of the Rally since 2007, and this summer, the tradition continues.

“We have found a great location for the Wall in Victor, and the town council and residents there are working closely with the Cripple Creek Council to bring the Wall to Victor and work in cooperation to help make this happen.” said Jim Wear of Pro Promotions. “The Wall has become a big part of this event over the past three years, and the Rally Committee applauds the efforts of the two City Councils to continue the honor and focus of the AVTT as part of the Vets Rally.”

Veterans Rally attendees can expect all of the usual traditions including the Veterans Parade, awesome vendor show, Saturday POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony, live music, guest speakers, beer gardens, and casino gaming in the authentic old west mining town.

In addition, a ceremony will be held Sunday at 1:00 pm at the recently constructed Cripple Creek Military Memorial just west of town at the base of Mt. Pisgah. Each year Cripple Creek’s town fathers add the names of our military heroes lost in the previous year to the Memorial. Rally goers are encouraged to attend, support and remember.

For riders, the 23rd annual POW/MIA Recognition Ride will stage at the Woodland Park High School Saturday morning, with the police escorted procession rolling up to Cripple Creek via Highways 24 and 67. The annual Ride is billed as “Colorado’s largest procession of motorcycles.”