Thornton is proud to honor the service and sacrifice of our Veterans through a series of memorials located throughout the city. This page highlights the many ways we recognize and remember those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. From the solemn stone monument at the Civic Center to the powerful “Thornton Remembers” sculpture at the Margaret Carpenter Recreation Center, each piece stands as a tribute to courage, service, and sacrifice. You’ll find a variety of memorials—including bronze sculptures, engraved obelisks, and commemorative benches—each with its own unique story and symbolism. In addition, our Veterans Memorial Paver Program allows residents to dedicate personalized bricks in honor of loved ones who served. These spaces are not only places of remembrance but also of reflection, where our community comes together to express gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy.
Veterans Memorials Across Thornton
Thornton has at least five sculptures, seven memorial benches honoring those who served, three engraved monuments (one stele, one obelisk, one pillar), several streets renamed in honor of Veterans, in addition to the ongoing Veterans Memorial Paver Program.
VFW Monument at City Hall
This stele (upright monument) and benches stands prominently outside the entrance to Thornton's City Hall, 9500 Civic Center Drive, Thornton, CO 80229.
The stele is engraved with the Great Seal of the United States and seals of the US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Air Force. The engraved text reads, “Dedicated to all our men and women who have served our country in the armed forces this day November 11, 1991. Lest we forget the price of freedom”.
Memorial Benches
Adjacent to the Civic Center stone monument, there are two carved benches that allow viewers to sit in contemplation. The benches are engraved with text reading:
- “This bench presented to the citizens of Thornton by Thornton VFW Post #7945”
- “This bench presented to the citizens of Thornton by Northglenn American Legion Post #22”
"Thornton Remembers" Sculpture and Monolith
This bronze sculpture stands on an engraved stone monolith. It can be seen near the front entrance of the Margaret Carpenter Recreation Center, 11151 Colorado Blvd, Thornton, CO 80233. The stone is engraved with an eagle flanked by two flags and text reading:
“Thornton Remembers All The Brave Men And Women Who Served Our Country In The War On Terrorism Honor them by remembering… freedom is their gift to us. July 4, 2005.”
This piece serves as a memorial for everyone who served our country in the wars in Iraq (2003-11) and Afghanistan (2001), including Thornton soldiers who were lost in combat. Tom Slocum is memorialized on a plaque beneath the statue. The plaque reads: “In Memory Of Those Thornton Soldiers Who Gave Their Lives In The War On Terrorism” and proceeds to list fallen Thornton residents.
Editions of this "battle cross" (specific arrangement of boots, rifle, and helmet of fallen servicemember) can be found across the United States honoring those who died in service.
The sculpture was donated by the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation and the piece and responsibility for its ongoing maintenance were accepted by the City through Resolution in 2007.
Obelisk, Benches, Plaza
A five-sided obelisk stands at the center of a plaza near the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center, 5310 E 136th Ave, Thornton, CO 80241. Each side of the plaza is engraved with a specific word honoring one branch of the military: honor, integrity, service, duty, courage.
Memorial Benches with the emblem and motto of a branch of the military on the front of the bench, and the name of the branch on the back surround the obelisk. The benches are as follows:
- US Coast Guard "Semper paratus 'always ready'"
- US Marines "Semper fidelis 'always faithful'"
- US Air Force "Aim high... fly-fight-win"
- US Navy "Non sibi, sed patriae 'not for self but for our country'"
- US Army "This we'll defend duty, honor, country"
The memorial was designed by Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture of Denver, Colorado.
"Grace" Sculpture
This bronze sculpture of a winged angel releasing a dove with dog tags is installed near the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center, 5310 E 136th Ave, Thornton, CO 80241.
This sculpture received funding from the Thornton Arts, Sciences, and Humanities Foundation (TASHCO) and the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation. The artist generously waived part of the cost of the sculpture.
The plaque reads: "In defense of our freedom, you have sacrificed all. Our hearts will always remember."
Veterans Memorial Gold Star Pillar
This large pillar has engraved text honoring veterans and gold stars. A bronze eagle statue is mounted on top of the pillar.
Related:
The Veterans Memorial Paver Brick Program with names and messages honoring Veteran relatives, friends, and colleagues can be viewed surrounding the obelisk. Engraved bricks are added to the plaza every year.
Honorary Street Name Signs
- Warrant Officer Larry James Branaugh (Nagel Drive)
- Specialist Five Bruce Allen Bowman (Elm Place)
- Sergeant Frederick Anthony Vigil (Hoyt Drive)
- Specialist Four Louis Arthur Yugel (Lilly Drive)
- Corporal Larry Donell Harris, Jr. (94th Drive)
- Private First Class John Wayne Simmons (81st Place)
Street Renamed
- PFC Jacob Wykstra (High Street renamed to PFC Jacob Wykstra Street)
