Virginia Knowles trembled as she pressed to her lips a vibrant red sash embroidered with her grandson’s name, Lance Cpl. Chad Maynard.
She was given the gift Saturday at the Memorial Day tribute outside the state Capitol, a solemn ceremony remembering the young Marine from Montrose and others who served.
The 19-year-old was killed in June 2005 when an explosive device was detonated near his vehicle in Iraq.
As the Navy bell tolled to acknowledge his sacrifice, tears rolled down Knowles’ cheeks.
“It just warms my heart to know that people honor their service and respect the price they paid,” Knowles said after the service.
Maynard was among 18 Colorado soldiers who have given their lives in the war since Memorial Day last year.
Also honored at the event were “forgotten heroes” of past wars who earned medals but never received them before their deaths.
It was a much more festive occasion earlier in the day when hundreds gathered along Broadway to watch the Memorial Day parade.
Soldiers, young and old, marched or rode in vehicles decorated in ribbons and streamers of red, white and blue.
Russell Bogh, 80, saluted each American flag that fluttered past him.
The parade hit close to home: He was an Army soldier in World War II who was hospitalized after a grenade landed in his trench.
“There aren’t many of us left,” Bogh said. “I’ve had a lot of people stop me and thank me for my service. It means a lot.”
For those with less-personal attachments, the parade was a chance for adults to pay respects and share the experience with their children.
Two-year-old Johnny Koeplin waved a small American flag and gasped in amazement as military trucks and motorcycles roared by.
“This is a good one for kids and boys of all ages, from 2 to 40-plus,” said his father, Eric, as he hunched down to explain the passing objects. “Boys love guns and trucks.”
Staff writer Julianne Bentley can be reached at jbentley@denverpost.com.
