Colorado lawmakers honor state's fallen soldiers
Alan Gathright, Rocky Mountain News
Published April 9, 2007 at midnight
The Colorado General Assembly passed a resolution today honoring American troops who have served and died in Iraq and Afghanistan as a bugler played taps.
"With this resolution, we pay tribute to the brave men and women of Colorado who have served, and who are now serving our country in Iraq and Afghanistan," said House sponsor Rep. Stella Garza Hicks, R-Colorado Springs. "They have fought bravely and have served us all with tremendous dignity and honor. We owe them all a great debt for their service, and we will always hold a special place of honor for the soldiers and families who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country."
As taps rang out in both chambers, family members who've lost loved ones in the war wiped away tears.
Senate Joint Resolution 32, sponsored by Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald, D-Coal Creek Canyon, and Garza Hicks, named the 48 Colorado soldiers who made "the ultimate sacrifice" while serving their country in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. It also honors Colorado military personnel who have served or are currently serving in the two countries.
After each fallen service member's name was read aloud, lawmakers from both parties marched to the podium to praise Colorado's Armed Forces members, their families and their sacrifices.
"This resolution honors all soldiers that lost their lives and called Colorado their last home. Those who served from Fort Carson and lost their lives in Afghanistan or Iraq, as well as those who considered Colorado their actual home," Fitz-Gerald said. "It is important that we take our time to honor those for whom time is standing still. It has been said that the cost of war is not known until the last veteran dies. Perhaps it is more accurate to say the cost of war will be worn forever by the families of those who have fallen."
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