[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 543 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>






117th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 543

Expressing support for the designation of July 20, 2021, as ``National 
Heroes Day'' to honor the sacrifices of everyday heroes who save lives 
                     and improve their communities.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             July 20, 2021

Mr. Perlmutter (for himself, Mr. Crow, Mr. Neguse, Ms. Norton, and Ms. 
DeGette) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
                   Committee on Oversight and Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Expressing support for the designation of July 20, 2021, as ``National 
Heroes Day'' to honor the sacrifices of everyday heroes who save lives 
                     and improve their communities.

Whereas, on July 20, 2012, in Aurora, Colorado, 12 people's lives were taken and 
        so many more were injured, yet we saw remarkable acts of bravery in the 
        face of unspeakable violence and everyday people risked their lives to 
        save countless others;
Whereas today, during a global pandemic where over 600,000 Americans have lost 
        their lives, we have witnessed everyday people rise up and put their 
        lives in jeopardy to help others;
Whereas first inspired by the two servicemembers and two civilians whose lives 
        were taken while shielding others on July 20, 2012, we recognize July 20 
        as ``National Heroes Day'' to honor the sacrifices of everyday heroes 
        who save lives and improve their communities;
Whereas, on July 20, 2012, 12 lives were taken, 70 were wounded, and hundreds 
        suffered emotional damage including one victim losing a daughter and 
        suffering a miscarriage when a gunman opened fire at the Aurora Mall 
        Theater;
Whereas during this heinous act of violence, moviegoers courageously took 
        immediate action risking their own lives to protect and save the lives 
        of others;
Whereas since statistics began being tracked in 2013, the United States has 
        experienced an average of one mass shooting per day;
Whereas the same heroic acts of bravery seen in Aurora are reflected in 
        countless others tragedies as gun violence continues in our communities;
Whereas there are countless other examples of individuals stepping up for their 
        communities every day, during crises, and during natural disasters;
Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has called on individuals to demonstrate heroism, 
        courage, and initiative to aid their communities, including--

    (1) medical professionals providing lifesaving care and support to 
patients in times of need;

    (2) researchers and scientists developing safe and effective vaccines 
to beat the virus;

    (3) law enforcement, firefighters, emergency responders, and the 
National Guard who courageously support, protect, and care for their fellow 
citizens;

    (4) frontline workers such as farmers, those at food processing and 
packaging plants, truck drivers, grocery workers, sanitation personnel, and 
those in correctional facilities and nursing homes and all other essential 
workers providing critical services during challenging times;

    (5) teachers providing quality education, encouragement, and support to 
their students during a global pandemic;

    (6) journalists providing critical news coverage of global events to 
the public;

    (7) letter carriers, postal workers, and delivery workers who keep our 
communities connected and our economy running;

    (8) small businesses adopting and repurposing their facilities to 
produce medical equipment;

    (9) community members volunteering their time and resources to support 
and care for their neighbors; and

    (10) all those who have lost family and loved ones to the pandemic; and

Whereas the American people have always courageously answered the call to save 
        lives, persevered to find cures, fought bravely for others, and set a 
        shining example for generations to come: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes, commends, and honors the selfless 
        dedication to fellow citizens displayed through heroic actions 
        across the country and uses the example of their sacrifice to 
        renew our commitment to supporting our neighbors;
            (2) calls upon the Members of the House of Representatives 
        and all people of the United States to observe a ``National 
        Heroes Day'' with appropriate and personal expressions of 
        service and reflection, which can include performing good 
        deeds, displaying the United States flag, and engaging in 
        community service or other charitable activities; and
            (3) urges all people of the United States to continue to 
        live their lives throughout the year with the same spirit of 
        courage, service, and compassion that is exhibited by these 
        everyday heroes.
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