Thousands to attend annual veterans event in Cripple Creek this weekend

Cripple Creek heads into its biggest weekend of the year for the annual “Salute to American Veterans” ride and rally to honor military veterans.

At least 30,000 people, including veterans and motorcyclists from across the country, are expected to attend.

“This is the largest gathering of veterans west of the Mississippi,” said Jim Wear, the event’s founder and organizer. “What makes it special is civilians putting on for veterans. And it gives veterans a chance to heal. That’s what is most important.”

On Saturday, organizers will stage a motorcycle ride from Woodland Park to Cripple Creek, for the 32nd year.

After the ride, a rally and parade will be held in City Park for the 27th year.

Some events began Friday and others are scheduled for Sunday.

Roland Smith, a Fountain resident and veteran of the Navy and Coast Guard, is attending the event for the first time.

“I just joined the American Legion this year,” he said. “I had heard about this event and always wanted to go, but couldn’t because I was working. Now that I’m retired, I can be here. It means a lot.”

John Cornelius, from Galveston, Texas, was in town vacationing with his family and wasn’t aware of the weekend event.”

“It chokes me up,” he said. “My father and my wife’s father both served in Europe during World War II. I appreciate everything the military does.”

Cornelius also got a bonus.

“My wife’s great-great grandfather owned a hardware store in the early 1900s,” he said. “The building is still here. It’s a casino now. Our family is taking a historical vacation this year, and we’re seeing some military history with this event.”

Mike Williams, a retired Colorado Springs police officer, belongs to the Blue Knights, a large motorcycle group of law enforcement officers, and participated in a kick-off ceremony to honor a veteran.

“Every year on the first day, we pick them up at the airport and escort them here,” he said. “We usually choose a veteran who’s an amputee. This year’s honoree lost both legs, and we’re presenting him with a custom-made motorcycle. The only one of its kind in the world.”

“Motorcycles symbolize freedom and being able to express that through riding helps these veterans heal,” Wear said.

Mayor Bruce Brown is serving the last year of his term and said he’s honored to be a part of the event.

“It’s great for our economy, too,” he said. “Rooms are booked a year in advance. The casinos are full, restaurants are full. It’s a very special event.”

The highlights of the event are on Saturday. A motorcycle ride honoring prisoners of war and service members missing in action starts in Woodland Park at 10 a.m., and in Cripple Creek a parade begins at 10 a.m. and a remembrance ceremony starts at noon in City Park.

The traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall will be on display at Cripple Creek High School until 3 p.m. Sunday.

We’ve also learned that a fundraiser on behalf of fallen Fort Carson soldier Elliott Robbins will be held in Cripple Creek as part of Saturday’s schedule. Robbins lived in nearby Florissant and proceeds will go to his infant son.

On Sunday, a memorial ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery in Cripple Creek.

For more information and the schedule of events, visit: https://theveteransrally.org.