A time to remember: Broomfield reflects on the fallen at annual Memorial Day picnic

Michael Hicks, Daily Camera, Boulder, Colo.
·4 min read

May 29—Robert Gonzales wanted to serve in the U.S. Navy. According to him, it was the "right thing to do."

But on Monday — Memorial Day, Gonzales, who served 22 years in the Navy before retiring in 2005, fondly recalled one of his former colleagues, Jason Haisenleder. The Michigan native died by suicide in 1993. He was the only sailor that he can recall losing during his time in service.

"He loved the military," Gonzales said, recalling Haisenleder. "That's who I remember."

Monday was a time of remembrance for Gonzales and other veterans, family members and friends as they gathered at Broomfield County Commons Park for the city's annual Memorial Day Picnic. Besides time to reflect, the city and county, along with the Broomfield Veterans Museum, presented the Rocky Mountain Brassworks, the Broomfield Civic Chorus, food and camaraderie for the couple hundred residents on hand.

Gary Francis, president of the Broomfield Veterans Museum and a 21-year Navy veteran, knows all too well about such losses. A graduate of the Naval Academy, Francis' class of 1968 has suffered more than 260 casualties — some during the Vietnam War and others more recently.

"Memorial Day is basically a chance to reflect on those that gave their lives for America, to honor them and to support the guys that are still alive," said Francis, who added that on Memorial Day he thinks about Arlington Cemetery, which has more than 400,000 veterans and dependents buried there. "Each of them feels a connection to the folks they know that have passed on."

Guest speaker Brig. Gen. Michael Bruno, chief of staff with the Colorado Air National Guard, called the day a solemn occasion as he recited that more than 1,300,000 Americans have died in war and conflict since the Revolutionary War began in 1775, including 6,000 Coloradans. Maybe none of them hit home harder for Bruno than the five Colorado National Guardsmen who've lost their lives since 9/11 — U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Romero; U.S. Army Sgt. Luis Reyes; U.S. Army Sgt. Jon Stiles; U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 David Carter; and U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Liam Nevins.

"Memorial Day is a vivid reminder of the price that has been paid for our liberties. It is also an appropriate time to reflect on the burden shared by those left behind and the impact that loss has had on their families, workplaces and communities," Bruno said. "People leave a footprint. Their contributions make a difference and their loss leaves an impact."

And though Bruno reminded the audience that liberty is not freely gained or preserved and that many on Memorial Day would visit the grave of the fallen, laying wreaths and flowers in remembrance, he was humbled as he looked out into the crowd and reminded of the sacrifices made by the veterans before him.

"As we remember and honor all the brave men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, we must also remember those who have served and continue to live with mental, spiritual and physical challenges in the aftermath of these wars," said Bruno.

Mayor Guyleen Castriotta offered in her opening remarks not just two words that encompass what Memorial Day is all about, but she presented a proposition for ways to honor the fallen with one's actions for the future.

"Service and sacrifice," said Castriotta, noting the words that identify the men and women who have given their lives in service to the United States. "Today, as we gather for Memorial Day, we want to commit to honor each servicemember's service and sacrifice. How might we serve and sacrifice for our community? Who are the people in your life who can be encouraged ... by your service and sacrifice?

"That is my challenge for this group today. How can you take the solemn remembrance and time of honor that we observe today and move toward positive action? It takes all of us to make our community into a living, thriving place that we want it to be. On this Memorial Day, let's have the service and sacrifice of those who gave their all for our country motivate us to serve each other as well."