The U. S. Honor Flag will fly from Aspen Fire Department Saturday. The flag commemorates police officers, firefighters, first responders and military personnel who have died in the line of duty.
Firehouse chefs will prepare a special meal and the public is invited to celebrate those lost lives. Chief Rick Balentine said it will be a highlight of the busy weekend.
“They’re making roasted Roman style roasted pig paninis; they’re making short rib sliders, I think it’ll be one of the best events in town for the Food and Wine festival, if I do say so myself," said Balentine.
The celebration is also meant to raise awareness of mental health for firefighters. There will be a tribute to Chef Anthony Bourdain, as well as an auction to raise funds to support firefighters’ mental health needs.
The Honor Flag has traveled millions of miles across the U.S., and even served brief stint aboard the International Space Station. The flag will be raised by the honor guard at 1 p.m.