Legacy Stadium was packed with veterans, military members, students, families, and neighbors on Saturday, Sept. 9, for the 13th annual Veterans and Military Appreciation Celebration. This year’s celebration was bigger and better than ever, kicking off the annual football game with a helicopter fly-over.
The day began with a luncheon to honor our veterans and current military members. “I can't even tell you how much my heart swells to see an entire parking lot and an entire cafeteria filled with our community to honor those who have served our country,” said CCSD Superintendent Christopher Smith.
The luncheon was complete with a performance by the Peakview Elementary choir, the Color Guard 
procession, a Quilts of Valor wrapping ceremony, a POW/MIA table presentation, remarks from Superintendent Christopher Smith and our Board of Education members, and a keynote speech from Rich Franko, Microsoft Strategic Account Director, SOCOM.
“It’s an amazing career of service, empathy, and gratitude to this country. And again, I want to say thank you for everything you have sacrificed for us,” said Superintendent Christopher Smith. “Here’s what I know: we would not be here today celebrating you in our schools if it wasn't for the sacrifices you have made and the sacrifices service men and women continue to make—that does not go unrecognized by the Cherry Creek School District.”
Superintendent Smith and Franko both emphasized the importance of this celebration, not only to honor our veterans, but also to invite our students to connect with our military members and potentially find their Pathway of Purpose through the military.
“I hope that this event inspires the next generation to continue to serve,” Franko said.
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Perry echoed the significance of this event for our students and community, “We're so excited to have these kids join us, sit down with the veterans, hear their stories, and share them with their friends and family going forward.”
Franko also spoke to the invaluable skills you gain in 
the military, “Yes, they joined the military to serve our country, but what they got in return was the discipline, loyalty, honor, integrity, and personal courage to master the basics and that translates to daily life.”
Following lunch, a fair of booths, music, and games opened up to the community—allowing students and neighbors to thank our veterans and veterans to access important resources, all while enjoying a sunny, Saturday afternoon together.
“There’s not many schools that celebrate our veterans and interest our children like this school district does, and we're very proud of them for doing it,” said veteran Dick Bares.
The culminating event of the evening was the annual football game where the Smoky Hill Buffs and Overland Blazers—two rivals in the town of Aurora—played to take home the gold Wagon Wheel. The wheel has served as a trophy between the rivals for ten years now, and Smoky Hill has taken home the prize for the last five years.
The stadium paid tribute to our veterans and military members before the game began by playing “Taps” on the trumpet, ringing the Honor Bell, showcasing a performance by the United States Army Drill Team, and culminating with a helicopter fly-over accompanied by two WWII vintage WarBird planes.
Both teams also honored our military members by sporting jerseys with flags and stripes and the words, “Courage,” “Bravery,” and “Pride” written across their backs. 
After a competitive game, Smoky Hill took home the gold Wagon Wheel for the sixth year in a row, with a final score of 7-0.
Posted 9/14/23.
