Governor Polis to Dedicate Maj. General Maurice Rose Monument on April 16

DENVER – Governor Jared Polis will host the Maj. General Maurice Rose Monument Dedication Ceremony to pay tribute to one of Colorado’s greatest World War II heroes on Sunday, April 16 at 2:00 pm at Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park. 

The ceremony will include bell tolls by the Daughters of the American Revolution, a flyover by the Mile High Warbirds, special remarks by the Governor, and a presentation of military honors to include the playing of Taps, a rifle salute, and flag presentation. 

“We are proud to dedicate this memorial to a Colorado hero, Major General Maurice Rose, and to honor his great legacy fighting for freedom. Today, we remember Major General Maurice Rose and celebrate the contributions he so bravely made so that in Colorado and across the country we can live freely. This monument is a reminder and motivation to continue our hard work to build a Colorado for All where we can all thrive in freedom,” said Gov. Polis.  

The event will be preceded by a military procession, beginning at History Colorado at 1:50 pm. The procession will include state bagpipers, World War II reenactors with authentic WWII vehicles, Civil Air Patrol, Honor Guard, Young Marines, veterans, and others. The procession will head north on Broadway and turn right on 14th Ave., ending at the southeast corner of Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park.

In 2021, the Colorado State Legislature unanimously passed a joint resolution allowing the placement of the Maj. General Maurice Rose Monument on State Capitol grounds. The monument was designed by sculptor George Lundeen and architect Seth Rosenman, in collaboration with Marshall Fogel and Paul Shamon.

The highest-ranking officer killed in action in the European Theater of World War II, Maj. General Maurice Rose was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Purple Heart with an Oak Leaf Cluster, and six others throughout his lifetime of service. 

Born to Jewish immigrants, Rose moved to Colorado at the age of four. He attended both Whittier Elementary and Denver East High School before joining the U.S. Army in 1917. 

Members of the media are required to register and obtain press credentials upon arrival. Press registration opens at 1:30 PM on April 16 on the south side of Lincoln Park. Please email lreich@mizelinstitute.org or call (847) 370-8307.