Soldiers salute during the playing of the national anthem Thursday, May 22, 2025, during the Mountain Post Warrior Memorial Ceremony honoring the 407 fallen soldiers from Fort Carson who died fighting the Global War on Terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
"I go, not to win the war, but to come home to my wife and children."
The first Fort Carson soldier to die in Iraq, Pfc. Jesse Givens, wrote those highly relatable words in his journal. And while his time in the Army was short, his sentiments resonate today, said Fort Carson's Maj. Gen. David Doyle during a Thursday morning ceremony ahead of Memorial Day.
"I took an oath to protect my country, not for the sake of saving the world, but for the hopes that my family wouldn't have to live in a world filled with hate, fear or sadness, a world in which America can triumph," Doyle said, quoting Givens' journal.
Givens died when his tank plunged into the Euphrates River, the general said. The soldier who had served for 15 months was recovered with a small pressed flower from Colorado with him.
Givens' story is one of 407 represented by names on the memorial stones outside of Gate 1 -- all died in the Global War on Terrorism from 2003 through 2019 from Fort Carson. Nationally, more than 7,000 service members died in the conflict.
Doyle said he expects to spend the weekend remembering those he knew who died in the conflict and he encouraged others to take a moment to also reflect on the sacrifices of service members.
"When I think about those soldiers that I served with who did not come home, I remember what made them excellent. I remember what made them the best in our country," he said.
Around the Pikes Peak region over the next few days, there will be numerous events to help remember those lost in conflict.
On Friday, volunteers are invited to help place 1,600 American flags on graves in the Air Force Academy cemetery. The event starts at 9:45 a.m. and volunteers do not need to RSVP. There are also no uniform requirements for veterans.
On Saturday, Fort Carson is hosting a 5k run from 10 a.m. to noon at Iron Horse Park. Runners should wear blue in memory of fallen soldiers. No registration is required.
Events on base typically require a DOD ID or sponsorship from an ID cardholder to obtain a visitor pass.
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Pikes Peak National Cemetery will host a Memorial Day service at 10 a.m. Monday with a guest speaker from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
The Evergreen Cemetery will host a service featuring Buffalo soldier re-enactors at 10 a.m. Monday.
The Monument Cemetery will host a service at 10 a.m. Monday.
The ceremony in Memorial Park in Colorado Springs near the Veterans Memorial will take place at 11 a.m. Monday.
The Woodland Park Cemetery Memorial Day ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Monday.
The seventh annual Angel Run charity event to honor fallen service members is planned for Monday from 8 a.m. to noon at Garden of the Gods Park.
The event hosted by Red Leg Brewing Co. will feature a 10k, 5k and fun run, along with live music and refreshments.
The event raises money for Angels of America's Fallen and the goal this year is to raise $15,000, according to a news release.
The nonprofit pays for the children of fallen military service members or first responders to pursue sports, music or the arts until they are 19.
Participants are encouraged to register early to secure their spot and receive a commemorative T-shirt. Additional donations can be made during the event.
To register visit redlegbrewing.com/event/7th-annual-angel-run/