My Mind's Eye

Remember your Angels are Watching

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Happy Independence Day: from Colorado #3

Today in honor of Independence Day I'd like to share some photos of an unexpected
tour we took on our trip to Colorado.


On Monday, June 26, we were on the road from Colorado Springs to the Denver airport to catch our flight home.  Our tour guide told us we had about 20 extra minutes to spare.
She said  we'd be passing right by the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.
  She asked if we were interested in stopping by for a quick ride around the campus and to see the Cadet Chapel.  Everyone was very interested. When I say quick I mean quick, but I made use of the time and was able to get some beautiful photos.

U.S.A.F Academy was established in 1955 at Lowry AF Base, CO.
It moved to its permanent location in 1958.  It is a free tourist destination.  There is a huge Visitor's center(31,600 sq ft) facility that we did not have time to visit.  From the visitor's center you can walk 1/3 mile paved trails to the Cadet Chapel, which is the most visited man made tourist attraction in Colorado. The chapel features 17 spires that each 150' toward the beautiful Colorado blue skies.
Close up of the spires
 side view of the spires as you are walking through the Honor Court to the 

front entrance of the Cadet Chapel

A few of the bronze statutes in  the  Honor Court and aircraft memorials





Within the Chapel one can find a Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Buddhist and All Faith worship spaces.
Due to the time we had I was only able to see the Protestant and Catholic Chapels.

The pipe organ in the Protestant Cadet Chapel was breathtaking.
It is the 3rd largest pipe organ in an building that is not a church
click here to view a YouTube Video of the pipe organ in use
Weddings, funerals and other memorial services are regularly held here too.


Alter in the Protestant Chapel


The most unusual architecture  was amazing as were the stain glass windows




Catholic Chapel




Next summer the entire structure will be closed for 4 years to undergo major repairs and renovation.
Click here to read about it
The architecture was years and years ahead of the actual building abilities.
We were told it leaks like a sieve in heavy rain.  
I could have easily spent 1/2 a day looking at everything.  Since this visit was not on our agenda, I was just happy to see what I could.

So on this Independence day I thank all the armed forces who have protected the United States
over all these years and those who are training to SERVE AND PROTECT OUR
GREAT COUNTY.

33 comments:

  1. I have seen it from the outside but did not get to go in!

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  2. Wow! What a beautiful church and that pipe organ is fabulous!

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  3. wow that's impressing and that are the pawfect photos to celebrate the birthday of the land of the free, home of the braves. Happy 4th of july and a happy birthday USA

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  4. Hari OM
    HAPPY INDI DAY MADI & PEEPS!!! OMC, you must know I adore anything aeroplane... and architecture. Combining the two, this post has me ecstatic... am off to read about the repairs now &*> Hugs and whiskeries, YAM-aunty xxx

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  5. Happy Fourth of July!! Hope you have a wonderful day!!

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  6. What an amazing building and the pipe organ is fabulous! Happy Fourth of July!

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  7. Happy 4th. That church has some very unusual architecture.

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  8. that chapel is astonishing and I did not know it existed. the architecture is perfect for an air force base, looks like a rocket ship from the front.. so glad you showed both of these and would have loved to see it all. just the chapel and those planes would be enough for me... Happy 4th, does Madi get a hotdog or hamburger?

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  9. Wow, that must have been really something to see. It is all gorgeous. So glad you took pictures. Have a great Independence day.

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  10. That is an amazing church!
    Wishing you a wonderful 4th.

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  11. That chapel is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing. Happy Independence Day

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  12. Amazing place and some great pictures! Love the pictures of the aircraft memorials. The pipe organ is spectacular. Happy 4th of July to Madi and Family!

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  13. Those are really cool and interesting photos! Happy Independence Day from all of us. We hope it's a quiet one in your neck of the woods.

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  14. Wow! That is an amazing place! Thanks for showing us!

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  15. that is a really amazing place. Glad you got to see it if only quckly
    hugs
    Hazel & Mabel

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  16. Wow, that would have been amazing to check out!!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

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  17. Thanks for sharing those beautiful pictures. Happy Independence Day!

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  18. Happy 4th of July to you and your family Madi!

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  19. That is a beautiful and amazing church.
    Happy 4th July to you and all our US friends.

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  20. Great spontaneous tour! SHE was once on a flight to Fairbanks, Alaska when the pilot flew completely around Mt McKinley.

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  21. Love the Colorado pix AND the great photo of you at the top of the post! Happy Independence Day!
    Cammie!

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  22. That was a very well spent 20 minutes. What a beautiful place!!! Sometimes those surprises are the best things to happen.

    Happy Fourth of July!!!

    Woos - Lightning and Misty

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  23. THIS was wonderful. I had no idea of it and seeing what you were able to present here was a treat!

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  24. Beautiful photos, that looks like a nice place to visit. Happy 4th Madi and to your folks too! XO

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  25. Wow, the Academy looks amazing! Hope you're all having a great 4th of July!

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  26. Wowsa! Everythings looks amazin'! I sure do loves those Churches! Of course, Ma bein' a lapsed Catholic, she does love that one. Your Moms sure does take some FABulous snaps!
    Happy Happy Happy Fourth gurls!
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  27. What an amazing building. Lovely photos too! Nose licks and love from Moth xx

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  28. Wow, that looks beautiful. I love the lighting in both chapels. It's nice that they have something for all faiths. Hope you had a wonderful July 4th!

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  29. My Mom's Dad was a career Air Force officer and visited the Academy at least once.....a very beautiful place indeed. Mom's Dad was so proud to be in the Air Force.

    Love, Teddy

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  30. the BEST tours are unexpected, and this one was not only unexpected, but oh so special! Thank you for sharing all of these fantastic photos and this amazing experience with all of us! xoxo catchatwithcarenandcody

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  31. Wow, great pictures. Goodness, must be a huge job indeed to take 4 years.

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  32. Amazing place, looks so striking from the outside but tranquil inside, as it should be
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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Life is short, spend it with those who make you laugh
“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.” (Leo F. Buscaglia)
TONS OF HUGS
Cecilia and Angel Madi
Email: candb214@att.net