Memorial Day in Broomfield will serve as both a solemn act of remembrance and a gathering rooted in shared history, service, and gratitude. Observed nationwide since the aftermath of the Civil War, the holiday honors U.S. service members who lost their lives in military service. The annual ceremony, hosted by the Broomfield Veterans Museum, will take place Monday, May 25, 2026, at Broomfield County Commons Park. Residents are invited to join veterans, Gold Star families, and civic leaders for a morning dedicated to honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
This year’s keynote speaker is Flint Whitlock, a military historian, Army veteran, and member of the museum’s board. Whitlock, who served in West Germany, Vietnam, and at Fort Carson, is the author of 17 books and is the first military historian inducted into the Colorado Authors Hall of Fame. For Whitlock, carries both personal and civic meaning.
Memorial Day “The theme for my talk is ‘Every Day is Memorial Day at the Museum,’” he said. “Visitors and volunteers are surrounded by the stories and artifacts of Colorado veterans who gave their lives in service to their state and nation, from the Civil War to today.”
He noted that remembrance also extends to those who returned home and continued serving their communities. “Memorial Day is a solemn day for families who lost a loved one in war,” Whitlock said. “But it’s also a time for the rest of us to reflect and give thanks to those who came home and deserve recognition from a grateful nation.”
That connection between past and present is reflected in the Broomfield Veterans Museum itself. Located in the former Mamie Doud Eisenhower Public Library building, it is the only museum in Colorado dedicated solely to honoring the state’s veterans. Staffed largely by veterans, the museum houses uniforms, photographs, flags, and artifacts beneath a sign that reads, “Where the Heroes Live On.” The museum recently installed a new temporary exhibit commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and 150th anniversary of Colorado becoming a state.
The Memorial Day ceremony will begin with a patriotic prelude by Rocky Mountain Brassworks. The formal program includes the posting of colors by the Broomfield Police Department and North Metro Fire Honor Guard, a live performance of the National Anthem, and a flyover, weather permitting.
John Peticolas, president of the Broomfield Veterans Museum, will open the ceremony and recognize Gold Star families. An invocation will follow from Capt. Lynn Albi of American Legion Post 58, with remarks from Mayor Guyleen Castriotta offering a local perspective on the day’s significance. Whitlock’s keynote will serve as the centerpiece of the program, reflecting on sacrifice, memory, and the enduring legacy of service.
The ceremony will then shift into a more communal gathering. The Broomfield Civic Chorus will perform as the Rotary Club of Broomfield Crossing serves lunch, and Rocky Mountain Brassworks will return for a second set. The observance will conclude with the playing of “Taps” by Bugles Across America’s Tom Rudd, marking the close of the morning’s tribute.
Please join in this day of remembrance on Monday, May 25, and visit the Broomfield Veterans Museum or broomfieldveterans.org/broomfield-veterans-memorial-museum-events for more information.
