Colorado Air National Guard military aircraft will be taking to the skies during the day Saturday, covering six events across the state within 90 minutes.
Several F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 140th Wing launch from Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora. The group will visit Veterans Day events in Loveland, Wellington, Greeley, Castle Rock, Grand Junction and Durango from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., according to a press release from the Colorado National Guard. . These times are estimates.
“These overflights are meant to honor and show our gratitude to the men and women who have faithfully served our country,” Col. Jeremiah Tucker, commander of the U.S. Air Force’s 140th Wing, said in a statement. said. “Many of the veterans we honor served and continue to serve our state and communities in the Colorado National Guard as first responders during emergencies.”
High-altitude flights are carried out at no additional cost to taxpayers and serve as training for pilots.
The Colorado National Guard did not list specific events occurring at each location. However, within the allotted time, Loveland hosted a Veterans Day Parade, the American Legion Post in Wellington hosted a Veterans Day Celebration, and Bittersweet Park in Greeley hosted a Veterans Day Celebration at the Weld County VA Post. A Military Day ceremony is held and veterans are recognized at the Douglas County Veterans Memorial. Veterans Day festivities begin in Castle Rock, Grand Junction, and Durango begins its own Veterans Day parade.
This year, CONG celebrates 100 years of military aviation in Colorado.