[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 116 (Thursday, August 1, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9451-S9452]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              THE 120TH ANNIVERSARY OF COLORADO STATEHOOD

 Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I take this opportunity to 
recognize the 120th anniversary of Colorado statehood. My home State 
has a rich and colorful history, having sustained itself as a mecca of 
cultural diversity, a geographic wonder, and the birthplace of numerous 
great men and women.
  Colorado made several attempts at statehood, one in 1863 and another 
in 1866, before a convention was held in December 1875 to draft a third 
constitution for the people's ratification. On August 1, 1876, Colorado 
was finally admitted to the Union as the 38th State. It was titled the 
Centennial State for gaining admittance during the centenary of our 
Nation's independence.
  Colorado was a progressive young State, leading the race to erect 
institutions of higher education, develop advances in mining and 
agriculture, and most notably, politics. In 1893, less than a 
generation after its admittance, Colorado became the second State to 
grant suffrage to women. Since its inception, the State of Colorado has 
continued to welcome people of all origins and serve as a source of 
progress and equality.
  Colorado is home to two American Indian tribes, the Southern Ute and 
the Ute Mountain Tribes. The Ute Indians are Colorado's chief 
representatives of Shoshonean ancestry, and are the only tribe 
indigenous to Colorado. The Southern Ute reservation, of more than 
300,000 acres, has spanned the southwestern corner of Colorado since 
1868. The Ute Mountain Reservation occupies just under 600,000 acres in 
the far southwestern corner of the State, overlapping its borders with 
Utah and New Mexico.
  Both tribes have laid their economic foundation on the land they 
inhabit, honoring it with memorials and symbolic events. While these 
tangible signs of reverence are a treasured part of Colorado's 
identity, the traditions of trust, respect, and honor are the true gift 
of these tribes to Colorado.

  The geographic splendors of Colorado are simply breathtaking. I will 
never tire of the raw beauty of my State. From the mountains to the 
Grand Canyon to the massive expanse of virgin forests, Colorado may 
well be one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I know my sense of 
pride is shared by Coloradans and others alike.
  While there is greatness in the history, culture, and land of 
Colorado, there is a shared greatness in many individuals hailing from 
the State. One woman is particular proved herself to be truly heroic to 
Colorado and the rest of the Nation. As a teacher, scientist, and 
humanitarian, Dr. Florence Rena Sabin was a pioneer for all women in 
the field of medicine, playing a critical role in the drafting and 
implementation of the Sabin Health Laws in the State. Her ground-
breaking accomplishments earned her one of Colorado's two places in 
Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol, one of the Nation's highest honors.
  Just this summer, the Colorado General Assembly designated that a 
statue of the Honorable John L. ``Jack'' Swigert, Jr., join Dr. Sabin 
in Statuary Hall. As a patriot to his country and a leader in the 
State, Jack Swigert is considered one of Colorado's most courageous and 
renowned citizens. As command module pilot of the Apollo 13 Mission, 
Jack Swigert carried out a heroic maneuver and saved the lives of his 
crew as he piloted the damaged spacecraft safely to Earth. The work of 
Jack Swigert has made a staggering contribution of Colorado's 120 years 
of excellence, setting the State apart in space operations and 
planetary environmental technology.
  Aviation has been a field of continued outstanding achievement for 
the State of Colorado. Six years ago, the Colorado Aviation Hall of 
Fame welcomed another inductee, George ``Gib'' Nesbitt, for his 
remarkable contribution to improving aviation in Colorado and 
nationwide. His dedication to teaching people to fly safely spanned two 
decades and today serves as a benchmark by which all other flight 
instructors are measured. Having begun his flying career as a teenager, 
he went on to serve as flight commander in World War II, where teaching 
young

[[Page S9452]]

Army and Air Force cadets soon became his focus. He personally 
transformed two primitive air strips in rural Colorado into functional 
airports capable of opening vast segments of the State to air travel. 
The residents, businesses and visitors of Colorado will continue to 
benefit from his contributions.

  The philanthropic efforts of one individual and his family have also 
left a lasting impression on Colorado's business and arts communities, 
children, and troubled populations. Bill Coors, chairman and president 
of Adolph Coors Co., is the senior employee at Coors with over 57 years 
of service. His contributions to the industry range from the 
introduction of now widely consumed products, to innovations in the 
technology and production of numerous industry standards. Bill Coors 
has been touted as a visionary in the areas of employee wellness and 
health care. Businesses, organizations and communities within the State 
and across the Nation have looked to the work of Bill Coors as a model 
to follow, a standard to meet.
  Mr. Coors has lent his support in the areas of higher education, 
providing his expertise in business and community cooperatives. He has 
actively cultivated youth groups and associations accessed by children 
from across the country. His support of the arts, in a climate where 
the riches of our history and culture are considered an expense, has 
been instrumental to Colorado's continued recognition of its proud 
heritage. Bill Coors' tremendous success makes his consistent 
contributions to the State of Colorado that much more honorable. He is 
truly a man of integrity, whose devotion to the citizens of Colorado 
will continue to serve the State for generations.
  I would be remiss if I did not mention the timely accomplishments of 
our Colorado Olympians. Although the games are still underway, there 
are two notable Colorado women who have touched our hearts and made us 
swell with pride. Amy Van Dyken will go down in the Olympic history 
books with her four gold medals in swimming. Susan DeMattei, competing 
in mountain biking, an event offered for the first time, won bronze 
after a grueling 22-mile trek.
  Mr. President, I have just skimmed the surface of the incredible 
achievements made by Coloradans and their State. Even after 120 years, 
Colorado has not slowed in its accomplishments nor tarnished in its 
beauty.
  I want to thank you for allowing me to speak for my fellow Coloradans 
in celebrating our 120th anniversary.

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