Colorado Veterans Unite to Honor Korean War Hero's Final Journey Home to Trinidad
A fallen Colorado hero is finally returning home after more than seven decades. Sergeant Orace J. Mestas, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Korean War in 1951, will receive a hero's welcome as his recently identified remains make their final journey across Colorado's Front Range.
In a powerful demonstration of Colorado's unwavering commitment to its veterans, local motorcycle organizations are mobilizing to provide a dignified honors escort from Denver International Airport to Trinidad, where Sgt. Mestas will be laid to rest with full military honors in his hometown.
74 Years of Waiting Comes to an End
The identification of Sgt. Mestas's remains on January 31, 2025, marks the end of a 74-year journey that began when he was declared missing in action on April 25, 1951, during the Korean War. For generations, his Colorado family has preserved his memory while awaiting this moment of closure.
Colorado's Veteran Community Stands United
The escort mission represents the tight-knit nature of Colorado's veteran community, with riders from across the Front Range coming together to ensure one of their own receives a proper homecoming. The procession will travel south through Colorado's heartland, passing through communities whose residents are expected to line the routes in tribute.
- Motorcycle escort departing from Denver International Airport
- Route will proceed south along Colorado's Front Range
- Final destination: Trinidad, Colorado
- Full military honors ceremony to be conducted
This solemn journey represents more than just a funeral procession - it's a reminder of Colorado's deep military heritage and the sacrifices made by local service members and their families. As Sgt. Mestas makes his final journey home through the landscapes he once knew, his return serves as a powerful testament to our state's promise to never forget its fallen heroes.
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