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.
Thornton Military Recognition Video
Monuments & Sculptures
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Large stone monument (stele or monolith) at Thornton Civic Center, 9500 Civic Center Drive, Thornton, CO 80229.
Stone is engraved with the Great Seal of the United States and text reading “Dedicated to all our men and women who have served our country in the armed forces this day November 11, 1991”. Below this text, there are engraved emblems of different branches of the armed forces and the crossroads version of the Thornton City logo. At the bottom of the monument, it says “Lest we forget the price of freedom”.
"Thornton Remembers"
Bronze sculpture on stone monolith installed at the front entrance of the Margaret Carpenter Recreation Center, 11151 Colorado Blvd, Thornton, CO 80233.
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.”
Veterans who died in combat are memorialized on a plaque on the side of the “Thornton Remembers” monolith. The plaque reads “In Memory Of Those Thornton Soldiers Who Gave Their Lives In The War On Terrorism” and then lists Thomas Slocum and others.
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.
"Grace"
Bronze sculpture of a winged angel releasing a dove with dog tags at the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center, 5310 E 136th Ave, Thornton, CO 80241.
Most of the cost of the sculpture donated by the artist, with the remainder of the cost being funded by the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation.
Veterans Memorial Bench
Benches with seal and text honoring each branch of the armed forces surround the obelisk.
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This bench presented to the citizens of Thornton by Thornton VFW Post #7945.
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This bench presented to the citizens of Thornton by Northglenn American Legion Post #22.
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)
