[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 127 (Tuesday, July 20, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H3676]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
NATIONAL HEROES DAY
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Colorado (Mr. Crow) for 5 minutes.
Mr. CROW. Madam Speaker, 9 years ago today, Aurora, Colorado, faced
an unbelievable tragedy when a shooter opened fire in a movie theater.
Madam Speaker, 12 people lost their lives, 70 were injured, and
countless others are still impacted by the trauma of that day.
Every year, Aurora and the greater Colorado community come together
to remember the lives lost and the trauma. We also come together to
recognize the everyday heroes that stepped up to help their neighbors
and loved ones. Their heroism saved lives.
I thank my friend and colleague, Representative Ed Perlmutter for,
again, offering a resolution to designate July 28 as National Heroes
Day. This year, in particular, we recognize the everyday heroes that
have helped us withstand this pandemic, our frontline workers,
scientists, and healthcare professionals, and the first responders who
stand on the front lines every day.
As we reflect today, let us also be galvanized into action. In the 9
years since the Aurora tragedy, little has been done at the Federal
level to reduce gun violence and mass shootings. Enough is enough. I am
here, in part, because I have been inspired by my constituents who
endured incredible tragedy 9 years ago and have directed that pain to
fight for change. Let us not grow numb to the pain of this day, but
let's continue to work toward meaningful and lasting change.
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