Veterans Day is important in the Pikes Peak region. We devote much time and attention to giving honor where it is due.

As we should.

This is a military oriented region with about 45,000 active-duty military members, Guard, and Reserve personnel. This is in addition to about 15,000 federal civilian employees plus 90,000 veterans and retirees.

The military community is one of our region’s largest constituencies. So, for the first time, the Pikes Peak Region is presenting an entire week of celebratory events to honor veterans. These events reflect the community’s ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for reflection of our history throughout the region.

While the week is filled with various commemorations, it is the stories of individual veterans that truly bring meaning to these observances. Ironically, the celebration that I will share about in this column didn’t happen this week.

On March 28, 2025 – Mr. Emedie “John” Mazzella celebrated his 99th birthday party at VFW Hall 4051. John celebrated his birthday at the VFW because he served in our military during World War II, the Korean war and Vietnam war!! The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a nonprofit veteran’s service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces.

Mazzella’s milestone birthday wasn’t just a personal achievement – it was a testament to the enduring legacy of our World War II military veterans. This obscure event quietly highlighted the importance of honoring those who have served across generations. It’s good to remind the community of the sacrifices made by vets like John.

His journey through three major wars and his continued involvement in veteran affairs (even at 99) serve as an inspiration to both current service members and civilians alike.

On that day Mazzella received an award presented to an honored member that has served the Pikes Peak VFW Post 4051 for more than 50 years. Mr. Mazzella also served as editor and chief for the VFW Post newspaper. In addition, he was also chair of the canteen committee and the House committee which meant he took care of both the interior and exterior of the building.

John Mazella was the VFW Post Commander in 1999. As Commander his professionalism and perseverance were essential in leading this post to participate in the first stand down for homeless veterans in El Paso County. Through this community initiative, Post 4051 provided supplies, food, shelter, clothing, and most importantly, healthcare for those who have honorably served this country.

His decades of dedication and numerous roles within the VFW made him a beloved figure in the community. At his celebration, friends, family, and fellow veterans gathered to share stories of his service, not just to the organization, but to the broader Pikes Peak area.

 The celebration was filled with laughter, heartfelt speeches, and a sense of deep gratitude for Mazella’s extraordinary commitment. John laughed at his birthday cake cutting ceremony saying that his next goal was to live to 110.

I hope that he does.

The average age for WWII veterans who are still alive is 98 years old. Unfortunately, there are few of them left. As of early 2025, there are only an estimated 624 World War II veterans living in Colorado.

Demographers predict that the number will continue to fall, with even fewer estimated to be alive by 2030 and the last surviving veteran expected to pass away in the early 2040s.

With such a small and decreasing group of WWII veterans remaining, each individual story becomes all the more precious, serving as a living connection to pivotal moments in our nation’s history. Their presence at community events, like Mazella’s celebration, reminds us of the value in cherishing these first-hand accounts and honoring the people whose experiences continue to shape our collective memory.

As we look toward the future, let’s recognize that every chance to learn from and celebrate these veterans is fleeting, making every chance to express gratitude and record their histories even more meaningful.

Rachel Stovall is an event manager, entertainer and community advocate.