FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Veterans Day has been a day of remembrance and reflection upon those who serve in the nation's military since the federal holiday's proclamation by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919.
During the four-day weekend, Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, participated in various Veterans Day celebrations, ranging from ceremonies to parades.
A color guard comprised of 3rd Special Troops Battalion Soldiers presented the nation's colors Sunday during the Pike's Peak Community College Veterans Day ceremony.
Noting nearly 20 percent of PPCC's student body is made up of active and retired military and spouses of active-duty servicemembers, retired Lt. Col. Wayne Artis, associate professor and co-chair, PPCC Department of History, said it was appropriate for the school to hold a ceremony Sunday to honor those who serve the nation in the military.
In addition to multiple ceremonies, companies within 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, marched in two parades Sunday that occurred simultaneously in different cities. While Company D was marching in the Colorado Springs Veterans Day parade, Company A was about 45 miles away, marching in Pueblo's Veterans Day parade.
One of the more unique events of the Veterans Day weekend took place Sunday morning, when Company A provided a color guard to post the nation's colors, while Chap. (Maj.) Ralph Bieganek, brigade chaplain, gave the invocation during a ceremony at the Royal Gorge Route Railroad station in Cañon City.
The ceremony was followed by discount pricing for a train excursion for veterans, active-duty military, reservists and National Guard members and one guest.
"It's a nice opportunity for us to extend a discount to our veterans," said Steve Kaverman, Royal Gorge Route Railroad general manager. "It's a good chance for (Soldiers) to enjoy something that they may not have had a chance to do, so we just wanted to take advantage of this time of the year."
The "Iron" Brigade facilitated a number of festivities in honor of the brave servicemembers who have served the nation.
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