General Assembly Honors Military, Veterans and MIA/POW on Military Appreciation Day

DENVER—Honoring Colorado’s heroes was on the docket in the General Assembly today, as members of the House and Senate recognized those serving in the military and veterans in a joint session this morning.

The General Assembly passed a series of House joint resolutions honoring our servicemen and women.

House Majority Leader Amy Stephens, R-Monument, sponsored House Joint Resolution 1005 along with state Rep. Nancy Todd, D-Aurora, Recognizing Military, Veterans and MIA/POW Appreciation Day.

“The very reason we are able to be here today, is because of the selfless sacrifices of our servicemen and women,” said Stephens. “It’s an honor to be able to recognize those serving and who have served our great nation. Today was also a time to thank the families of those who have served and are serving.”

Legislators also took time to honor those Coloradans who served in Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom with HJR 1008, specifically honoring those Coloradans who gave the ultimate sacrifice in 2011.

Rep. B.J. Nikkel, R-Loveland, who sponsored the bill with Rep. Beth McCann, D-Denver, said—

“Coloradans have a history of volunteering and fighting for our country. Today, we remember and honor those Coloradans who have given their lives for our freedoms.”

Reps. Mark Barker and Sue Ryden, D-Aurora, introduced HJR 1007, which reaffirms the General Assembly’s commitment to creating the Colorado’s Fallen Heroes Memorial to honor those men and women who have given their lives in service to their country.

“This memorial will serve as a place where Coloradans can come to remember those who gave everything,” said Barker, R-Colorado Springs, who is a member of the Fallen Heroes Memorial Commission. “I encourage everyone to visit www.coloradoheroesmemorial.org for more information about the memorial, and how they can donate to the memorial’s fund.”

The General Assembly also took up resolutions recognizing heroes who served in the past, including HJR 1006, sponsored by Reps. Keith Swerdfeger, R-Pueblo West, and Sal Pace, D-Pueblo. HJR 1006 commemorates the illegal attack and capture on the USS Pueblo while it was in international waters.

“Today is about recognizing heroes, including those brave men who were attacked in North Korea 44 years ago.” said Rep. Keith Swerdfeger. “I’m proud to stand with the House of Representatives to honor the crew of the USS Pueblo.”

Rep. Robert Ramirez, R-Arvada, co-sponsored HJR 1003, sponsored by Rep. Angela Williams’s, D-Denver, designating I-70 as part of the nationwide system of “Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Trails.”

“The Tuskegee Airmen are heroes in the truest sense of the word,” said Ramirez, who served in the US Navy. “These young men answered the call of a nation in need, even though they were not afforded the same rights as other Americans. Because of their service, the Tuskegee Airmen not only helped defeat our enemies in World War II, but played a valuable part in conquering racism and bigotry here at home.”

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