Fallen warriors honored by governor

By Air Force Capt. Darin Overstreet, Colorado National Guard Public Affairs

A mother hangs an ornament on the Colorado Tree of Heroes at the Colorado State Capitol building in Denver Dec. 6, 2011, for her son who died during overseas contingency operations. Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper hosted the ceremony for the memorial Tree of Heroes to honor all Colorado-based service members who have lost their lives in combat operations since Sept. 11, 2001. (Colorado National Guard photo by Capt. Darin Overstreet/RELEASED)

More photos from this event are available in Flickr.

DENVER (12/7/11) – Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper lit the Colorado Tree of Heroes yesterday to honor all service members based in Colorado who have lost their lives in combat operations since Sept. 11, 2001.

The private, Gold Star Families reception, was held at the State Capitol building and was also attended by Lt. Gov. Jon Garcia, and Adjutant General of Colorado Maj. Gen. H. Michael Edwards.

"This 'Tree of Honor' reflects our gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom,” said Hicklenlooper.

“This ‘Tree of Honor’ is very important because the stories and the photos of the fallen are what their families treasure,” said Edwards.

More photos from this event are available in Flickr.

12/9/2011