In honor of the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, True West Rodeo is holding a memorial.
“We need to keep it in mind and pay homage to those that sacrificed,” said Al Harper, who helped start the True West Rodeo. Harper owns the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which sponsors the rodeo.
Former Army Ranger Kris “Tanto” Paronto will speak prior to the rodeo. Paronto defended the U.S. State Department Special Mission Compound and a nearby CIA station called the Annex during a terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya, on Sept. 11, 2012.
“I think people will be touched,” Harper said.
The event also will honor local first responders and veterans and all attendees are encouraged to wear red, white and blue.
A portion of the ticket sales will be donated to The Hundred Club of Durango, a nonprofit that supports families of fallen first responders, and Operation Second Chance, a nonprofit that assists wounded, injured and ill combat veterans.
Harper is weighing whether the memorial rodeo will be an annual event.
Doors open at 3 p.m. at the La Plata County Fairgrounds on Sunday. Paronto’s speech starts at 4 p.m. and a rodeo will follow. A petting zoo will be open at the fairgrounds.
Tickets are $25 for people 16 and older and $10 for kids ages 4 to 15. Admission for children younger than 4 is free. Tickets can be purchased at www.truewestrodeo.com
