Tenth Mountain Division active and veteran soldiers and families, descendants, military partners, local community members, and friends of the 10th Mountain Division gathered for the 67th Annual 10th Mountain Division Foundation Memorial Day Ceremony at the War Memorial at the top of Tennessee Pass, Colorado on May 26, 2025. Simultaneously the tradition of recognizing 10th Mountain Division soldiers buried in Italy at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial with a wreath presentation.
The keynote address at the 2025 Memorial Day Ceremony at Tennessee Pass was given by MG (Ret) Galen Jackman. His compelling remarks centered on the Nation’s thanks for the Servicemen and women throughout our history who gave their last full measures of devotion in service to those around them and to the Nation. Given that Tennessee Pass is located immediately above Camp Hale, the birthplace of the 10th Mountain Division, and that this Memorial Day marked the 250th Anniversary of United States Army and the 80th Anniversary of World War II’s Victory in Europe, he described the strategic decisions by President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill that brought the 10th Mountain Division to the Italy Campaign. He then transitioned to the ground level of the fighting the men of the Division endured in the fight up Mount Belvedere in the evening of February 18th and morning of the 19th, 1945. He used the personal accounts of Val Appel and Ken MacDonald Company L, 85th Infantry Regiment that were provided to him by Al Field, also a member of the 85th Regiment. Those accounts detailed the stark reality of infantry combat and the ultimate sacrifices of those around them in the bitter fight on Mount Belvedere. The 10th Mountain’s campaign in Italy not only contributed to the defeat of the Axis powers, but more importantly, reflects the long tradition and character of the American Soldier: one who raises his or her hand to serve and puts their life on the line for those around them, and for the Nation.
In addition to General Jackman, special guests at this year’s event included 10th Mountain Division (LI) representatives COL Christopher J. Urynowicz, JTF-Southern Border LNO to NORTHCOM, MAJ and Adam Fitterer, G5 Planner Southern Border LNO to NORTHCOM and Anders Tornquist, Honorary Counsel-Royal Norwegian Consulate – Denver, Colorado. Fifteen wreaths representing military and 10th Mountain Division Foundation partners were placed at the base of the rose granite war memorial. Three Profiles of the fallen were shared: WWII 10th Mountain Division Technical Sergeant John Mautner, WWII 99th Battalion Infantry Private First Class Omer E. Olson and 10thMountain Division (LI) Lieutenant Colonel Joseph J. Fenty.
Soldiers Never Cry was read by Scott Koskie, 10th Mountain Living History Display Group (LHGD) and fifteen wreaths representing military and 10th Mountain Division Foundation partners were placed at the base of the rose granite war memorial. The ceremony ended with remarks from 10th Mountain Foundation Chair Nancy Kramer; As you travel home, reflect on the meaning of this day, reflect on and cherish our time together today as we are unified in honoring those that made the ultimate sacrifice and those that continue to serve as guardians of our Democracy and Protectors of Liberty and our enduring Freedom in these United States of America.
Thank you to Jack Breeding, event chair, 10th Mountain LHGD, Melanie Schwab and the Rocky Mountain Chapter of 10th Mountain Division Descendants, Ski Cooper staff, Canyon City JROTC and 4th ID Brass Quintet and others that make this annual event so inspiring!
Event report written by Nancy B. Kramer
