Commerce City hosts Colorado's largest Memorial Day Parade each year, bringing thousands of people from around the region together in our community to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

2024 Parade Winners

We are thrilled to announce the winners of our recent Memorial Day Parade. Your participation and dedication truly made the event a memorable and patriotic celebration for our community.

1st Place - Adams County School District 14
2nd Place – Adams County Sheriff’s Office
3rd Place – South Adams County Fire Department

1st Place – Out of Control Car Club
2nd Place – South Adams County Water & Sanitation District
3rd Place – VFW Post 501 Auxiliary

1st Place – VFW Post 501 Auxiliary
2nd Place - Mile Hi Veterans
3rd Place - Military Vehicle Collectors of Colorado

1st Place - Marine Corps League Broomfield Detachment / Foothills Young Marines
2nd Place – Ford Model A Club of Colorado
3rd Place – Military Order of the Purple Heart

Marine Corps League Broomfield Detachment / Foothills Young Marines

2024 Grand Marshal

Robert “Andrew” Henry
U.S. Army, 1997-2024

As Commerce City prepares to honor our fallen heroes and military veterans this Memorial Day, getting to know 2024 Grand Marshal Robert Andrew Henry offers a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve. Henry's storied military career, which spans 27 years and deployments in eight countries across three continents, underscores a legacy of service that is both inspiring and humbling.

Born into a family with a rich military history, Henry's path seemed almost predestined, yet his reasons for staying in the military were grounded in a humble search for purpose. "I stayed in the military because I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I grew up, and I'm still figuring it out," he once remarked with a smile, a sentiment that resonates with many veterans who find a sense of identity and belonging in the service.

Henry's career began in 1997 when he enlisted in the United States Army. His journey took him from the infantry to the critical role of a combat medic, showcasing a remarkable adaptability and unwavering commitment to his comrades. During his deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, he was recognized with numerous awards, including the Order of Medical Military Merit Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Medic Badge, three Meritorious Service Medals, eight Army Commendation Medals, and five Army Achievement Medals.

The Order of Medical Military Merit Medal is an especially distinguished honor underscoring Henry’s contributions to military medicine, setting a benchmark for medical professionals in the military community. The honor is awarded to medical personnel who have shown remarkable dedication, expertise, and compassion while serving their country's armed forces, often in challenging and high-stress environments. As the only Non-Commissioned Officer in the Colorado Army National Guard to receive this medal, Henry's legacy is not only one of service but also of groundbreaking achievements in military healthcare.

Henry's impact extended beyond the battlefield to mentoring the next generation of military leaders. His time as an instructor at the NCO Academy (where he trained over 3,000 NCOs) and his dual roles as a First Sergeant underscore his leadership and commitment to the Army's values. Through these positions, he shared his wisdom, guiding the future of the military community. A cherished memory for him was winning the NCO of the Year contest in 2010, which rewarded him with an exhilarating orientation flight in an F-16 fighter jet.

Since retiring from the military, Henry has continued to serve. Now at the VA Hospital in Aurora, he applies his vast experience to help veterans as an intermediary care technician. His work at the VA Hospital is a testament to his lifelong commitment to supporting his fellow servicemen and women, both in and out of uniform.

As we approach the 2024 Memorial Day Parade, Henry's story is a reminder of the sacrifices made by the military community. He carries with him the memories of fellow servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice, specifically including Army Sergeant David L. Leimbach, Marine Staff Sergeant Edgar A. Heredia, Army Sergeant Daniel R. Gionet, Army Captain Eric T. Paliwoda, and Army Staff Sergeant Dale A. Panchot.

"Their names, their sacrifice, and the sacrifice of their families should never be forgotten," Henry asserts. This Memorial Day, as Robert Andrew Henry leads the parade as grand marshal, his presence will be a powerful tribute to those who have served and sacrificed. His story of humble service, leadership, and continuous dedication to the welfare of others, embodies the spirit we aim to capture on Memorial Day, making him both a fitting grand marshal and a source of inspiration for all who value the ideals of service and sacrifice.