Honor and Remember - Colorado Chapter

The Honor and Remember Flag is our tangible symbol of remembrance that sends a unified message that every sacrifice made is vital to the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.

You might know one family or even hundreds, but did you know that close to 1.5 million military men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation, not including tens of thousands who died as a result of their service?

This visual symbol sends a comprehensive message, louder than thunder, to Military Fallen Hero Families who see it, that communicates “We get it." Thank you! 🇺🇸 ⭐

Join the mission of remembrance 👉 https://bit.ly/HR_Flag or text FLAG to 41444 to learn more.
Photo credit: Alisha Mullins

Not Forgotten 🇺🇲❤️

Today we remember SGM James "Ryan" Sartor, who was killed on this day in 2019 during combat operations in Faryab Province, Afghanistan.

Sgt. Maj. James G. “Ryan” Sartor, 40, was from Teague, Texas and joined the Army in June 2001 and then was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division as an infantryman. He completed the Special Forces Qualification Course and was assigned to 10th SFG (A) in 2005.

He deployed to Iraq as an infantryman, and as a Green Beret assigned to 2nd Battalion, 10th SFG (A) in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010. He also deployed to Afghanistan with 10th SFG (A) in 2017 and 2019.

Sartor’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Award, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Valorous Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Unit Citation with one oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal with six knots, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with 4 Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 5, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral 2, NATO Medal, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, and Special Operations Diver Badge.
His posthumous awards include the Purple Heart Medal and Bronze Star Medal.

– DE OPPRESSO LIBER –

📆 RUN SCHEDULE UPDATE: Up next is New England for their 4th Run!

Everyone is invited to come out to run, volunteer, or cheer us on. Join us in your state or watch the LIVE broadcasts 👉 https://bit.ly/Watch_Run4Fallen

Run for the Fallen state events honor state military fallen since the beginning of the Global War on Terror, regardless of the branch of service or the cause of death. We ultimately run for them all. We honor their service and sacrifice and remember each gave up a future so that we could have ours. We pay tribute to them by name and to the sacrifice of the families left behind.

For more information or to Volunteer, Sponsor or Donate, please visit 📲 RunfortheFallen.org

Also, do you want your company name to be the presenting sponsor for Run for the Fallen events NATIONWIDE? We’re looking for national companies with a heart for remembrance and an interest in sharing our unified message. Want to learn more? Contact Laura at 📬 [email protected] for more information.

One Mission. One Team. One Tribute.

Together We Remember Them All. 🇺🇸 ⭐ 🏃‍♂️

Hosted by Honor and Remember.

Staff Sergeant Paul G. Smith, 43, of Peoria, Illinois, served as a cavalry scout with the U.S. Army, which he joined in April 1993. He was stationed in Fort Hood, Texas, until 1996, when he was deployed to Kuwait. In 1996, he and his family were stationed in Vilseck, Germany, where they stayed until August of 1999. His next station was Fort Riley, Kansas, where he was deployed again from 2001 to 2002 in Iraq and from 2003 to 2004 and 2005 to 2006. In June 2006, he went inactive and headed back to East Peoria.

SSG Smith joined the National Guard out of Kewanee, Illinois, in August 2006. While doing his drills, he was also employed by G & D Integrated. In December 2008, he was called to Afghanistan with his Kewanee Guard Unit. SSG Smith was able to come home on R&R from April 29 to May 12, 2009, when he and his wife celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary. Smith loved his homemade pond and fish tanks and just relaxing on his break with his family and friends.

After returning to Afghanistan in mid-May, assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment, Illinois Army National Guard, Aurora, Ill.; SSG Smith died June 19, 2009, in Kandahar when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device. Staff Sgt. Joshua A. Melton was also killed,

SSG Smith earned numerous awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart Medal, and many others.

On Saturday, the family of U.S. Army SSG Paul Smith was escorted by Honor and Remember to the NASCAR Xfinity Series for The Loop 110 NASCAR Chicago Street Race.

Thank you to driver NASCAR, NASCAR Salutes, Billy E Mauldin Jr, Motor Racing Outreach, and Goodyear Racing.

Together We Remember Them All! 🇺🇸 ⭐ 🏎️

U.S. Army Sergeant Douglas J. Riney, 26, of Fairview, IL., was assigned to Support Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. He was killed in action on October 19, 2016, after his squad encountered hostile enemy forces near Kabul, Afghanistan.

Doug's hometown was Ft. Stewart, Georgia, where he graduated from Spoon River Valley High School and Spoon River College with a degree in Criminal Justice. He volunteered with the Fairview Fire Protection Unit in Illinois as a Fireman, First Responder, and Rescue Diver before he joined the Army in 2012. He was an avid BMX racer, motorcycle enthusiast, runner, hunter, and fisherman. He married and had 2 beautiful children.

Riney was previously deployed twice to Afghanistan. Sgt. Riney earned numerous awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal (posthumously), the Purple Heart Medal, and many others.

Today, the family of U.S. Army Sergeant Riney was escorted by Honor and Remember to the NASCAR Cup Series for the Grant Park 165 NASCAR Chicago Street Race.

Together We Remember Them All! 🇺🇸 ⭐ ⭐ 🏎️

Thank you, NASCAR, NASCAR Salutes and Goodyear Racing.

Today Honor and Remember - Colorado Chapter had the humbling privilege of presenting personalized Honor and Remember Flags to the families of PFC Ryan Alderman and SPC Keaghen Birka. We are grateful to the Douglas County Veterans Monument Foundation for the inclusion at this event serving the Veteran Community. 🇺🇲❤️🇺🇲❤️

Honoring Our Fallen From Colorado

Remember Army Chief Warrant 3 Officer Scott Alan Muir Oswell, from Colorado Springs. He Rests in Section S, Site 6186-B at Fort Logan National Cemetery. He was Killed In Action in Mosul, Iraq on July 4, 2007

Honoring Our Fallen From Colorado

Remember Army Staff Sergeant Michael Lee Ruoff Jr., from Canon City. He Rests in Lakeside Cemetery in Canon City. He was Killed In Action on July 1, 2007 in Ta'Meem, Iraq. Also killed in the same incident was Sergeant First Class Raymond R. Buchan from Johnston, Pennsylvania.

Honoring and Remembering a HERO who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our Freedom on this day in 2010. Read his story, say his name.
Cpl. Larry D. Harris, Jr. USMC, you are not forgotten! 🇺🇲❤️

Shadow box Marines.Togetherweserved.com - Shadow Box Profile of Cpl Larry Donell Harris, Jr.

This past weekend, Honor and Remember was proud to support the American Gold Star Mothers, National for their 87th National Convention. It was a beautiful weekend in Colorado Springs to present 2 beautiful Gold Star Mothers with personalized Honor and Remember Flags, paying tribute to 2 Soldiers who had served at Fort Carson: SPC Steven Anthony Mobley, son of Lynda Lambert and SGT Andrew Mark Schaffer Council, son of Pam Schaffer 🇺🇲❤️ They are not forgotten.

There was a K9 Handler reunion on Camp Pendleton over Memorial Day Weekend. Two of David's Marine Brothers, Rosendo Madrigal and Dusty Ruiz, hold a Colorado Flag that had flown over the Dog Park in Parker and then left it with David. Thank You to Dusty for taking the Flag with him.

⏰ STARTS TOMORROW the 9th Annual New York "RUN FOR THE FALLEN" starts this Thursday, JUNE 6-9, 2024. In tribute to over 1350 Military Fallen Heroes over 4-Days in 200+ miles. 🇺🇸✨🏃‍♀️🏃

📺 WATCH the Live Stream on Facebook at Run for the Fallen

📲 GPS LIVE Locator 👉 https://bit.ly/LIVE_Tracker

🗺 See Run Route Map here 👉 https://bit.ly/NY_R4FDay1

📌 See details here 👉 https://bit.ly/NY_Run4Fallen2024

We run dedicated miles to honor and remember each fallen hero who died since the GWOT began. However, regardless of war or conflict, the branch of service, or cause of death, we ultimately run for them all.

Please LIKE, INVITE & SHARE

Together We Remember Them All! 🇺🇸

PRESS RELEASE: “New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, and Sen. Peter Oberacker, R-C- Schenevus, announced today that legislation they have cosponsored that would make the “Honor and Remember Flag” the official flag for recognizing and honoring armed service members in New York has been passed by the Senate.”

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, D-Rotterdam, has introduced the legislation (A3429) in the Assembly. The bill has been referred to the Assembly’s Governmental Operations Committee. See the full press release here 👉 https://bit.ly/NY_FlagNews

We will keep you informed of any updates. 🇺🇸

"How can Americans express their gratitude to Military Hero Families they may not know? You might know one Gold Star Family, but there are over a million. The Honor and Remember Flag stands as the sole tangible, iconic way for an individual to send a message to the Families that speaks words louder than thunder. This is why our message holds such profound importance." - George Lutz, Founder of Honor and Remember.

Together We Remember Them All! 🇺🇸 ⭐

Honor and Remember personalized flags are presented on an average of one per day. There are nearly 350 families currently waiting for flags. Learn more at 👉 HonorAndRemember.org

For a decade, the NASCAR community has come together to formally honor and recognize the United States Armed Forces during Military Appreciation Month through the NASCAR Salutes Together with the Coca-Cola program.

Military recognition is once again front and center as each NASCAR Cup Series car and accompanying track vehicle will feature the name of a fallen service member on the windshield in 2024's Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Miles of Remembrance.

See more about these heroes who gave their lives defending this country https://www.nascar.com/gallery/2024-600-miles-of-remembrance/

Together We Remember Them All. 🇺🇸 ⭐

Thank you, NASCAR Salutes, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Goodyear Racing, FOX Sports and GoSunoco Racing.

This weekend Honor and Remember - Colorado Chapter had the privilege to present the personalized Honor and Remember flag of Sgt. Cory Chester Bay to his family by blood, sponsored by his family by battle. For Gold Star Families, every day is Memorial Day. 🇺🇲❤️🌟

On 11 May, we had the honor of presenting a personalized Honor and Remember Flag to the Gold Star Mother and Children of SN Alexis Johnson. The occasion was the 4th birthday of Lexy's twins and it was our distinct privilege to be included in this special day, to briefly share in the celebration and present them with a gift of Honor and Remembrance. It is evident that Lexy's memory is cherished by this beautiful family - she is not forgotten.

📣 Tomorrow is the start of the Inaugural North Carolina “RUN FOR THE FALLEN”

The Run Team will stop at each “Hero Marker” HM to pay individual tribute to waiting Gold Star family members, friends, and comrades. This will create a 127-mile memorial trail through North Carolina to honor and read the names of over 640 Military Fallen Heroes.

One Mission. One Team. One Tribute. 🇺🇸 ⭐🏃‍♀️🏃

📅 Day 1 - Friday, May 17 | 50 miles
9:30 AM - START Ceremony

👀 See Run Route here 👉 https://bit.ly/NC_Run4Fallen_Day1Map

📲 Watch LIVE on Facebook at 👉 Run for the Fallen

🗺 NEW GPS LIVE Locator 👉 https://bit.ly/LIVE_Tracker

We will always HONOR their selfless sacrifice and REMEMBER them individually by name.

Together We Remember Them All.

Children of Fallen Patriots Day – A Day to honor the children left behind by the brave men and women who gave their lives while defending our freedom. We honor the approximately 25,000 children who have lost an active-duty parent. 🇺🇸 ⭐

Every day, we are passionate about supporting our nation's military-surviving children – they struggle and endure so much on this unimagined journey. Yet they remain living legacies of their Fallen parent’s life, service and sacrifice to America.

Please reach out to the kids of Fallen Patriots to let them know they are not forgotten – today and always.

We will always HONOR their selfless sacrifice and REMEMBER them individually by Name.

Together We Remember Them All.

In honor of National Police Week was established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962. National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. 🇺🇸

Our national mission will never waver to Honor those military heroes who stand in the gap preserving our freedom. In respect, we also acknowledge those public servants who give of themselves both preserving the rule of law and our personal safety.

The Honor and Sacrifice Flag was first unveiled on the 15th Anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks; this flag was developed specifically to recognize the sacrifices of our America's Fallen First Responders.

Learn more at: https://www.honorandremember.org/honor-and-sacrifice/

Together We Remember Them All.

On this 49th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, we honor the immense contributions of our selfless men and women in uniform. 🇺🇸 ⭐

58,281 paid the ultimate sacrifice and 303,644 were wounded in the nearly 20 years of combat.

We will never forget their courage, sacrifice and dedication as a grateful nation.

HONOR and REMEMBER has presented hundreds of personalized flags to Vietnam-era mothers, fathers, widows, children, and relatives in honor of their loved one's service and sacrifice.

We will forever honor the lives sacrificed to protect freedom and show respect by acknowledging the sacrifices made by generations of fallen heroes and the families they have left behind.

Honoring Our Fallen From Colorado

Remember Marine Corporal David Michael Sonka, from Parker. He Rests in Section L, Site 588 at Fort Logan National Cemetery. He was Killed In Action on May 4, 2013 in Farah Province, Afghanistan. Also killed in the same incident were David's Military Working Dog, MPC Flex, and Staff Sergeant Eric Damon Christian from Warwick, New York.

TOMORROW: DAY 1 of 4 for the 12th Annual Virginia Run for the Fallen TO HONOR AND REMEMBER VIRGINIA MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS WHO DIED AS A RESULT OF SERVING DURING THE GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR. 🇺🇸 ⭐ 🏃

📲 WATCH the Live Steam on Facebook at Run for the Fallen

🛰️ NEW GPS LIVE Locator 👉 https://bit.ly/LIVE_Tracker

📆 Day 1 – Thurs, MAY 2 | 68 miles | Hero Markers 1-57
Fort Story to Gloucester
7AM Start

See Run Route here 👉 https://bit.ly/VA_R4FDay1

The VA Run for the Fallen is a four-day, 250+ mile run tribute that will honor over 800 Fallen Heroes.
We will always HONOR their selfless sacrifice and REMEMBER them individually by name.

Together We Remember Them All!

Hosted by Honor and Remember.

📅 ALL of May -- Take the 30-Minute Challenge: The 5th Annual Honor and Remember May Memorial Marathon is a 24/7 event that creates an unbroken chain of RUNNERS, WALKERS, BIKERS or RIDERS to remember our fallen heroes throughout the entire (and we mean the entire) month of May! ⭐🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸

Can you dedicate 30 minutes to HONOR our courageous FALLEN MILITARY HEROES who SACRIFICED their lives and their tomorrows for our FREEDOMS? 🏃‍♀️🚲🏍

NO COST. NO FEE. NO FUNDRAISING.

Accept the Challenge by scheduling your time slot – see all of the details here 👉 https://bit.ly/MayMemorialMarathon2024

✅ DOUBLE YOUR MILES: Runners with TAPS, Wounded Warrior Project, Carry The Load, Team Red, White & Blue, Mission 22, Wear Blue: Run to Remember, U.S. Vets, and others—your miles can also count for the May Memorial Marathon. Join us and expand your tribute as well. Post using the hashtag , and let’s grow the synergy of awareness together all month long.

📲 SHARE YOUR STORIES, PHOTOS and VIDEOS of your tribute -- post to the Discussion Gallery 👉 https://bit.ly/MMM_Gallery2024

We hope you will join us in saying, "I am honored to remember our military fallen heroes and their families. I participated in the May Memorial Marathon."

Let more Americans know about MMM. Please LIKE, INVITE, COMMENT & SHARE this Event Post or this link 👉https://bit.ly/MayMemorialMarathonEvent.

Together We Honor them ALL! ✨🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸

Thank You!

Our hearts are with their families - both blood and Blue 🖤💙 their service and sacrifice will not be forgotten

“Today is a heavy day. The last 24 hours have truly been heartbreaking for all. We are continuing to support and lean on our law enforcement community as we navigate yesterday’s tragic attack on officers. My prayers go out to the family and friends of CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer and the families of the three other officers killed yesterday afternoon. Officer Eyer, North Carolina Department of Corrections Officers Samuel Poloche and William Elliott and U.S. Marshals Deputy Thomas Weeks made the ultimate sacrifice. Their lives and service will never be forgotten.”

- CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings

Jonathan Porto was born and spent most of his life in Florida. Later he moved to Missouri and then New Hampshire where he graduated high school and became a die-hard Red Sox and Patriots fan.

In 2008, he enlisted as a Small Arms Repair Technician in the Marine Corps. While attending MOS school at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, he met his wife, Rachel. The couple married on May 2, 2009.

Not long after their wedding, the couple had another special gift: their daughter, Ariana, born Jan. 15. But Porto never met his daughter in person, despite being in the delivery room via a fuzzy phone connection.

Jonny’s ability to bring a smile to everyone, his unwavering love for his family and Corps, and his infectious laugh will forever be etched in the memories of all who knew him.

Marine Cpl Jonathan Porto died March 14, 2010, at the age of 26, while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. his awards include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and NATO International Security Assistance Force Medal.

Sunday, at Dover Motor Speedway, the Porto family was escorted by Honor and Remember to the NASCAR Cup Series Wurth 400 Race.

Thank you, DMS, NASCAR & Goodyear Racing. Together We Remember Them All! 🇺🇸 ⭐