The Tri-State 9/11 Tribute, honoring active military, first responders, and veterans, will take place September 11, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for the parade and then from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Prowers County Fairgrounds in Lamar.

The event is the brainchild of Doug Harbour, a Vietnam War veteran and longtime medical technician, who launched it in 2010 to recognize the efforts of first responders and the sacrifices of veterans.

“It is our purpose to recognize and honor first responders, dispatchers, and military personnel, past and present. This event is held annually on the Saturday closest to September 11 and is promoted at absolutely no charge to our participating heroes and at no or minimum cost to the general public. In addition to recognizing those who serve, we hope to act as a venue for promoting a sense of pride in our community and our country, including a greater sense of patriotism in our youth,” says Harbour.

This year’s event will run all day and include a mile-long parade with a mounted cavalry color guard from Fort Carson, a 4th Infantry Division marching band, approximately 24 military vehicles, dozens of police, fire, and EMS vehicles, and lots of civilian entries.

Parachutists from the US Air Force Academy will descend into the arena as the national anthem is sung, followed by a formal ceremony honoring soldiers as Grand Marshals.

Guest speakers will include Tom Tudor, a former sentry in Arlington National Cemetery, and Chip Kossow, the Colorado State Commander of the American Legion. The ceremony will close with a 21-gun salute fired by Fort Carson’s 75mm Honor Battery.

Due to last year’s COVID restrictions, the 9/11 observance was a small, socially distanced, outdoor event at the 9/11 Memorial north of Lamar on US Highways 50 and 287 and next to Big Timbers Museum and the Santa Fe Trail marker.

With COVID restrictions lifted, this year will have Scouts conducting a Flag Retirement Ceremony prior to the barbecue, more vendors, a children’s bounce house, a climbing wall, police laser tag, a demo by a renowned chainsaw artist, a static display of a military Stryker unit, a Corps of Engineers water safety course, and a band playing bluegrass and country music. A highlight will be all the first responder units on display following the parade, including an air ambulance helicopter.

The last large Tri-State 9/11 Tribute in 2019 drew parade attendees, spectators, and participants from Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma. It is estimated that around 1,500 attended the free barbecue for all first responders and military, past and present.