This event is being held as part of The 1968 Exhibit now showing at the History Colorado Center (HCC) through May 10.   The social forces that swirled through the turbulent 1960s crested in 1968. It was a turning point for a generation coming of age and a nation at war.  HCC wants to recognize the sacrifice and service of all Colorado veterans and their families, especially Vietnam War veterans.

“We are so excited to host this evening to convey long overdue and heartfelt gratitude to our Vietnam veterans as well as all of Colorado’s military vets who have served our country with courage and honor,” says Ed Nichols, president and CEO of History Colorado.  “We are asking all news media outlets and veterans service organizations to help us spread the word about this event and encourage all to come and allow us to thank them for their service.”

Special guest speaker, Jim Nicholson, himself a highly-decorated Vietnam veteran, will pay tribute to all veterans and families in attendance.  Nicholson is an attorney, real estate developer, and a former Republican Partychairman. He was the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs from January 26, 2005 until October 1, 2007. He was a paratrooper and Ranger-qualified Army officer. He fought in the Vietnam War, where he earned the Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman Badge, the Meritorious Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and two Air Medals. After 30 years of military service he retired in 1991 with the rank of Colonel.  In 2005, he was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Graduate Award by the United States Military Academy at West Point.

The highly popular USO Show Troupe is part of an entertainment tradition that goes back more than 70 years to its beginnings in the muddy camp shows of the South Pacific. Today, the pride and passion that fueled that early music lives on through the USO Show Troupe. Performing live annually for more than 600,000 troops and family members worldwide and nationally televised audiences, the USO Show Troupe presents top of the line entertainment with performers possessing extensive Broadway, Off-Broadway, film and TV credits. Performances are produced in collaboration with Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award winning writers, arrangers, and choreographers, and costumes are designed and created by Broadway costume designers and internationally recognized fashion designers.  The Troupe will perform two special shows during the evening of March 19.

To access the online invitation and RSVP, please go to:

Salute Our Military Veterans

http://www.celebrations.com/njyfaqa6zmn7qwq3d

History Colorado welcomes all U.S. veterans and their families for an evening of fun and tribute to all they have given America to preserve our way of life.

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History Colorado's mission is to inspire generations to find wonder and meaning in our past and to engage in creating a better Colorado. We serve as the state's memory, preserving the places, stories, and material culture of Colorado through our museums, educational programs, historic preservation grants, research library, collections, and outreach to Colorado communities. Find History Colorado on all major social media platforms. Visit HistoryColorado.org or call (303) HISTORY for more information.