Politicians in Fort Logan for Veterans' Day

DENVER (AP) - A Veterans' Day service at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver is among the holiday observances drawing attention from public officials.
- Freebies and discounts for veterans

Gov. Bill Ritter and Sen. Michael Bennet, both Democrats, and Republican Rep. Mike Coffman were among the speakers Wednesday morning at the cemetery's annual service. Veteran's Day took on added poignance this year because of last week's shooting rampage at Fort Hood that left 13 people dead.

Coffman, an Iraq war veteran, said Americans should remember the sacrifice made by those in the military every day.

"While today is a special tribute and reminder, it is our duty to hold on to the feelings Veterans Day invokes," Coffman said.

Bennet said members of the military deserve to have the equipment and weapons they need to succeed in battle. He also backed the effort to build a national veterans cemetery in southern Colorado.

"And when our veterans have fulfilled their duties and lived out their lives, we must ensure they are afforded a final resting place that is worth of their sacrifice," Bennet said.

Last week, the House of Representatives approved a bill to create a new national cemetery in the Colorado Springs area. The bill still has to go before the Senate.

Although the area, which is home to Fort Carson, has an estimated 150,000 veterans, the closest national cemeteries are Fort Logan in Denver and the Fort Lyon National Cemetery near Las Animas. Both are about 70 miles away.

Ritter also visited Fisher House, which gives veterans' families a place to stay when their loved ones are hospitalized in a government facility.

In Boulder, Democratic Rep. Jared Polis visited a veterans' memorial at the University of Colorado before having lunch with veterans.

Veteran's Day also prompts several closures in the metro area. Our partners at the Denver Post put together the following list.

Banks - Some closed. Call individual location for information.

RTD - Buses and light rail will run on a regular schedule.

Mail delivery - None.

Parking meters in Denver - Free today.

Trash pickup - In Denver, trash pickup will be on a regular schedule. All suburban trash pickup is by private contractor. Contact individual provider for trash-pickup information.

Adams County offices and courts - Closed.

Arapahoe County offices and courts - Closed.

Aurora city offices and municipal courts - Closed.

Boulder city and county administrative offices and municipal courts - Closed.

Broomfield city and county offices and courts - Closed.

Denver city and county offices and courts - Closed.

Douglas County offices and courts - Closed.

Jefferson County offices and county and district courts - Closed.

 
Larimer County offices and courts - Closed.

U.S. District Court - Closed.

Click here to view the rest of the Denver Post's closure list, including schools.