On Saturday, Sept. 21, the Colorado Freedom Memorial in Aurora was the site of the Archdiocese’s annual In God We Trust Mass and lunch event, bringing together veterans, military families and community members to honor those who served and sacrificed for their country. Under the warm autumn sun, the names of fallen soldiers etched on the memorial were remembered and revered through prayers, reflections and a powerful message delivered by Father James Spahn during his homily on the feast of St. Matthew. Father Spahn's message touched deeply on themes of service, sacrifice and a higher calling—a message that resonated strongly with the veterans in attendance. Father Spahn also read powerful words from Archbishop Aquila's letter to the veterans: "Your example shines as a beacon in today's society darkened by disunity, individuality, self-serving and self-gratifying actions." The message urges those present to embrace the values that set service apart in a world increasingly driven by personal gain. He drew inspiration from the story of St. Matthew, a tax collector who left behind a life of wealth and power to follow Christ. The call to serve, Father Spahn emphasized, mirrors the choice veterans make when they leave their personal lives to serve something greater—their country and their fellow citizens. "St. Matthew began in Judea to preach and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ," he said. "He eventually traveled to Ethiopia, proclaiming the good news and teaching people there about the one true God. We are called to share that good news, and, perhaps today, we need it more than at any time in recent history, as more and more our society is pushing away from God." The event's spiritual core reminded attendees that service, whether in the military or in faith, requires sacrifice. “For those who have chosen to serve our country, that is anything but self-serving. It’s laying down your life. It’s giving your life in service to something greater,” Father Spahn continued, linking the sacrifice of veterans to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. This theme was particularly meaningful at the Colorado Freedom Memorial, where the names of over six thousand fallen soldiers are honored—those who, like St. Matthew, gave their lives for a higher cause. Father Spahn’s call to sacrifice and service throughout the event reverberated through the morning. Roger Muller, a member of the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree, delivered a commanding presentation on the history and symbolism of the American flag. He emphasized the powerful meaning behind each element, declaring, “The red stripes proclaim courage. The white stripes proclaim liberty. The field of blue stands for loyalty. This is your flag, my flag, our flag—honor it. Stand by it, as it represents the legacy and strength of our great nation, the United States of America.” An Air Force veteran, event organizer and founder of the Colorado Freedom Memorial, Rick Crandall highlighted the importance of the Mass in bringing veterans closer to their faith, even as many may have drifted away from the church over time. "We're fighting what seems to be not necessarily generational, but just a fact in our church now, where lots of people have fallen away...but there's a reason God keeps bringing us out here every year, even if it's a couple of voices at a time that we're touching," Crandall said. His words underscored the purpose of the event: to restore a sense of connection—both spiritual and communal—among veterans. Crandall added that the unique setting of the Colorado Freedom Memorial plays a role in this reconnection. "You hear similar things like that—veterans who maybe weren't on the battlefield, but who served and still maybe have felt separated from God a little bit. They just feel something special here, certainly with the names of all those who gave their lives," he said.
The event's atmosphere was one of reverence and gratitude. “Please, veterans, always be assured of prayers from my parish and my people, but I’m sure all the other parishes and the people of Colorado as we lift you up in thanksgiving,” Father Spahn concluded, offering a heartfelt blessing to the veterans in attendance.
Veterans like Bob Birx and Eddie Maurer added personal reflections to the day's message.
“One thing I’ve never done is I’ve never had a shot fired at me. I’ve never been in true combat. So these events, I don’t go for me… it’s the people’s names on the memorial who I commemorate,” said Birx.
Maurer echoed this sentiment, stating, “In fact, you know, most of the veterans will tell you they’re not the heroes, the folks in the graveyards are.”
Among the younger participants was Leilani Costello, a junior at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), who shared how the event reaffirmed her military calling. As a member of the USAFA Catholic Cadet Choir, which performed at the event, Costello reflected on the profound impact of faith and service in her life.
“I really reflect on why I joined the military, and it just reaffirmed that this was my calling. This is what God wanted me to do,” she said.
Costello also spoke of how the choir has become a place for cadets to grow in faith together, regardless of their backgrounds. “It’s amazing to be able to spread the joy that the Catholic choir has at USAFA,” she shared. “This was one way to connect with other people in the military community.”
Lisa Van Bramer, a parishioner from Our Lady of Loretto, felt a powerful call to attend the event, bringing with her a third-class relic of Our Lady of Guadalupe. She believed it was the Virgin Mary's guiding hand that led her to stand alongside the veterans. For Van Bramer, it was more than just a morning of reflection; it was an honor.
"Without our veterans, we wouldn't have the freedoms we hold dear, including our freedom of religion. The world is undeniably a better place because of American veterans," she said, emphasizing the profound connection between faith, freedom and sacrifice.
The In God We Trust Mass was not just an opportunity to honor veterans but also to reaffirm the importance of faith, sacrifice and unity in times of division. As the crowd gathered in prayer and reflection, the message was clear: the service of veterans is a testament to the greater good—one that transcends personal interests and serves the community and the nation.
At the heart of it all, Father Spahn echoed the Archbishop's resonant words in his letter: “For those who have chosen to serve our country, it’s laying down your life. It’s giving your life in service to something greater.” On that Saturday in Aurora, veterans, military families and civilians stood united in recognizing that service, sacrifice and faith are cornerstones of not just military life, but of the human spirit.
Next year’s event has already been confirmed to take place on September 13, 2025.
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