Priceless World War II trunk recovered from aftermath of Marshal Fire

Recovered in home heavily damaged by the Marshall Fire

DENVER, Colo. (CNN) - Authorities have recovered a World War II trunk from the aftermath of a home almost completely destroyed in the Marshal Fire.

So many families who lost homes left in panic, grabbing the essentials and getting out fast.

Some precious family heirlooms got left behind, leading one family to think a piece of their history was lost.

Like many, Ann and Rick Dixon's home in Superior was badly damaged by the Marshall Fire - irreparable they say.

Not much hope for the physical memories to be spared; or, so they thought.

When they finally got the chance to go back to their home, firefighters with loveland fire rescue authority were in their neighborhood helping put out the smoldering debris.

Homeowners asked the firefighters to see if they had a moment to check the upstairs bedroom for a special heirloom. What they pulled out, was the world war two trunk that belonged to Ann's father.

In that trunk, were stories of a man who served his country. One of those memories is simply irreplaceable.

History, she hopes to pass on, and memories to keep them going.