Memorial Day Celebration

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For the 53rd consecutive year the “greatest generation” surviving veterans of Colorado’s famous 10th Mountain Division will gather on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, at their World War II Memorial Monument to honor their fallen comrades and the men of the current 10th Mountain Division who have been lost in combat. The Monument is located at the summit of Tennessee Pass on US Highway 24 between Leadville and Minturn, Colorado.

The Guest of Honor and principal speaker will be Thomas Hames, son of Tenth Mountain Division veteran, Eugene Hames. Eugene trained at Camp Hale and served as a First Lieutenant in combat with the 10th Mountain Division in Italy. After the war he attended law school, was active in Arapahoe Basin Ski area, and was a civil trial lawyer. Thomas is also an attorney and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the 10th Mountain Division Foundation, Inc.

The 10th Mountain Division was created in Colorado in 1943 and trained at Camp Hale, high in the Rockies. It was the only unit in the history of the United States Army to be organized specifically for mountain and winter warfare. The highly regarded 10th played a major role in the battles that brought about the surrender of the German Army in Italy.

The public is invited to join “the men of the 10th” and their descendants on Memorial Day for this meaningful and touching event. Because of limited seating, we suggest that those attending bring lawn chairs. The Ceremony will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. The Lake County High School Band will provide music for this solemn occasion.

Following the ceremony, lunch will be available at the Ski Cooper Lodge, also at the summit of Tennessee Pass.