Colorado 2025 Regular Session

Colorado House Bill HJR1020 Compare Versions

Version 1 (Old)

Version 2 (New)

Old	New		Differences
1	1		First Regular Session
2	2		Seventy-fifth General Assembly
3	3		STATE OF COLORADO
4		-	~~REVISED~~
	4	+	ENGROSSED
5	5
6	6
7	7		LLS NO. R25-0790.02 Faith Marcovecchio x4331
8	8		HJR25-1020
9	9		House Committees Senate Committees
10	10		HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 25-1020
11	11		C
12	12		ONCERNING RECOGNITION OF AFRICAN AMERICAN VETERANS .101
13	13		WHEREAS, The military history of African Americans spans from1
14	14		the arrival of the first enslaved Africans during the colonial history of the2
15	15		United States to the present day; and3
16	16		WHEREAS, Throughout the history of the United States, African4
17	17		Americans have honorably served in every military conflict fought by the5
18	18		nation, often facing segregation, discrimination, and limited opportunities6
19	19		while courageously defending our nation; and7
20	20		WHEREAS, African Americans, despite being confined by the8
21	21		segregation prevalent in our country, still chose the path of military9
22	22		service to prove their worth as people and citizens; and10
23	23		WHEREAS, Through their dedication and valor, African11
24		-	SENATE
25		-	Final Reading
26		-	February 11, 2025
27	24		HOUSE
28	25		Final Reading
29	26		February 7, 2025
30	27		HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
31	28		English and Carter, Bacon, Camacho, Jackson, Joseph, Ricks, Armagost, Barron, Bird,
32	29		Boesenecker, Bottoms, Bradfield, Bradley, Brooks, Brown, Caldwell, Clifford, DeGraaf,
33	30		Duran, Espenoza, Feret, Froelich, Garcia, Garcia Sander, Gilchrist, Gonzalez R., Hamrick,
34	31		Hartsook, Johnson, Keltie, Lieder, Lindsay, Lindstedt, Luck, Lukens, Martinez, Mauro,
35	32		McCluskie, McCormick, Paschal, Phillips, Pugliese, Richardson, Rutinel, Rydin, Sirota,
36	33		Smith, Stewart K., Stewart R., Story, Suckla, Taggart, Titone, Valdez, Velasco, Weinberg,
37	34		Willford, Winter T., Woodrow, Woog
38	35		SENATE SPONSORSHIP
39		-	Exum and Coleman, Amabile, Baisley, Ball, Bridges, Bright, Carson, Catlin, Cutter,
40		-	Danielson, Daugherty, Gonzales J., Hinrichsen, Jaquez Lewis, Jodeh, Kipp, Kirkmeyer,
41		-	Kolker, Liston, Lundeen, Marchman, Michaelson Jenet, Pelton B., Pelton R., Rich, Roberts,
42		-	Rodriguez, Simpson, Snyder, Sullivan, Weissman, Winter F.
	36	+	Exum and Coleman,
43	37		Shading denotes HOUSE amendment. Double underlining denotes SENATE amendment.
44	38		Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material to be added to existing law.
45	39		Dashes through the words or numbers indicate deletions from existing law. American service members demonstrated their unwavering commitment1
46	40		to the ideals of democracy and equality, even when those ideals were not2
47	41		extended to them, and they ultimately helped to lay the groundwork for3
48	42		the broader civil rights movement; and4
49	43		WHEREAS, Even though many African American men and5
50	44		women have tragically lost their lives in service to their country, these6
51	45		and countless other African Americans chose the path of military service7
52	46		to prove their worth, regain a sense of dignity, and secure a place of honor8
53	47		within a society that often denied them fundamental rights. Through their9
54	48		bravery, resilience, and determination, these individuals not only served10
55	49		in defense of our nation but also fought for their right to stand as equals11
56	50		alongside their fellow service members; and12
57	51		WHEREAS, The military has long served as a unique arena in13
58	52		which African American men and women could rise through the ranks,14
59	53		challenging societal limitations and breaking barriers that confined them15
60	54		to second-class status; and16
61	55		WHEREAS, Despite facing segregation, discrimination, and17
62	56		unequal treatment both within and outside of military service, African18
63	57		American veterans persevered, demonstrating excellence, leadership, and19
64	58		a deep commitment to duty, thus paving the way for future generations of20
65	59		African American service members to continue the fight for equality,21
66	60		justice, and respect within the armed forces and throughout American22
67	61		society; and23
68	62		WHEREAS, African American veterans have played pivotal roles24
69	63		in every war fought by the United States, including the Revolutionary25
70	64		War, the War of 1812, the Mexican American War, the Civil War, the26
71	65		Indian Wars, the Spanish American War, both World Wars, the Korean27
72	66		War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, and conflicts in Iraq and28
73	67		Afghanistan, demonstrating exceptional bravery and dedication; and29
74	68		WHEREAS, During the Civil War, approximately 180,000 African30
75	69		American soldiers served in the Union Army, making up nearly 1031
76	70		percent of its total force, and an additional 19,000 served in the Navy; and32
77	71		WHEREAS, During World War I, more than 380,000 African33
78	72		Americans served in the United States military, many of whom faced34
79	73		segregation and discrimination while making invaluable contributions to35
80	74		the war effort; and36
81	75		1020
82	76		-2- WHEREAS, During World War II, more than 1.25 million African1
83	77		Americans served in the United States military, including in combat and2
84	78		support roles, while also breaking barriers that paved the way for the3
85	79		desegregation of the armed forces; and4
86	80		WHEREAS, Despite the dedication and sacrifice of African5
87	81		American service members, many military authorities have historically6
88	82		been skeptical of their patriotism, questioning their loyalty and7
89	83		commitment to the nation they bravely served. This skepticism persisted8
90	84		from the time before the end of slavery through Reconstruction and well9
91	85		into the twentieth century. Even as African Americans fought valiantly in10
92	86		wars such as the Civil War, World War I, and World War II, they were11
93	87		often relegated to segregated units, given less prestigious assignments, or12
94	88		denied the recognition they deserved; and13
95	89		WHEREAS, This unjust treatment continued until the landmark14
96	90		military desegregation policies of 1948, when President Harry S. Truman15
97	91		issued Executive Order 9981, which sought to end segregation within the16
98	92		armed forces. However, even after this official policy change, African17
99	93		American veterans continued to face barriers to full equality in the18
100	94		military, struggling against systemic racism, discrimination, and unequal19
101	95		opportunities for advancement, despite their proven dedication to20
102	96		defending the very freedoms that often eluded them in civilian life; and21
103	97		WHEREAS, The implementation of Executive Order 9981 marked22
104	98		a turning point in United States military history, leading to the gradual23
105	99		integration of African Americans into all branches of the armed forces24
106	100		and paving the way for broader civil rights advancements in American25
107	101		society. However, despite this order, desegregation of the military was not26
108	102		fully realized for several years, and all-African-American units persisted27
109	103		well into the Korean War, with the last all-African-American unit not28
110	104		being disbanded until 1954; and29
111	105		WHEREAS, Despite their unwavering service, African American30
112	106		veterans have historically been denied equal rights and benefits, including31
113	107		access to the GI Bill, housing assistance, and other veteran services,32
114	108		highlighting the need for continued advocacy and justice; and33
115	109		WHEREAS, While African American service members continue34
116	110		to demonstrate vigilance and resilience in all aspects of military service,35
117	111		there remains much work to be done in the pursuit of equality,36
118	112		opportunity, and recognition. African American men and women have led37
119	113		1020
120	114		-3- the charge in advocating for a more inclusive military, clearing a path for1
121	115		future generations to serve with dignity and pride. Their tireless efforts2
122	116		have not only secured a place for them within the military but have also3
123	117		opened doors for other African Americans to excel in leadership roles,4
124	118		advancing both military service and broader societal progress; and5
125	119		WHEREAS, The African American community takes great pride6
126	120		in the enduring legacies left by those who have served, and they continue7
127	121		to build upon the foundation of excellence, determination, and courage8
128	122		laid by those who came before, ensuring that their contributions are9
129	123		remembered and that their history serves as an inspiration for the next10
130	124		generation of service members and leaders; and11
131	125		WHEREAS, The Tuskegee Airmen, the first group of African12
132	126		American military pilots in the United States armed forces during World13
133	127		War II; the Buffalo Soldiers; the Montford Point Marines; and countless14
134	128		other African American military units and individuals have left an15
135	129		indelible mark on United States history, inspiring future generations and16
136	130		reshaping the armed forces; and17
137	131		WHEREAS, The late Lieutenant Colonel Clarence Shivers and18
138	132		Colonel James Harvey III stand as towering figures in African American19
139	133		military history, particularly in the context of the Tuskegee Airmen.20
140	134		Lieutenant Colonel Shivers, a distinguished member of the Tuskegee21
141	135		Airmen, served with bravery and distinction during World War II in the22
142	136		332nd Fighter Group, which was known for its distinctive red-tailed23
143	137		aircraft and played a significant role in escorting bombers during missions24
144	138		over Europe. His legacy is immortalized with a statue dedicated to him at25
145	139		the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, symbolizing26
146	140		his remarkable contributions to the United States Air Force and the27
147	141		struggle for equality in military service. Shivers retired in 1969, having28
148	142		proven himself an integral part of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of29
149	143		pioneering African American pilots who shattered racial barriers in30
150	144		aviation; and31
151	145		WHEREAS, Colonel James Harvey III made his mark as one of32
152	146		the first African American officers in the United States Air Force.33
153	147		Harvey's leadership and service during and after World War II continue34
154	148		to inspire future generations of airmen. As a member of the Tuskegee35
155	149		Airmen, he helped pave the way for the eventual integration of the United36
156	150		States Air Force and contributed to the desegregation of the military. Both37
157	151		men's careers exemplify the courage, resilience, and professionalism of38
158	152		1020
159	153		-4- African American service members in the face of adversity, making them1
160	154		iconic figures in the history of Colorado military service; and2
161	155		WHEREAS, Cathay Williams made history in 1866 as the first3
162	156		African American woman to serve in the United States military. She4
163	157		joined the 38th United States Infantry Regiment, which was stationed in5
164	158		the western frontier during the post-Civil War era. She was honorably6
165	159		discharged and passed away in Colorado, and her memorial is in Pueblo;7
166	160		and8
167	161		WHEREAS, Wanda James, a distinguished veteran of the United9
168	162		States Navy, made history as the first African American woman to be a10
169	163		part of the Naval ROTC program at the University of Colorado Boulder.11
170	164		Her groundbreaking service in the Navy paved the way for future12
171	165		generations of African American women to pursue military careers. In her13
172	166		continued commitment to public service and higher education, James14
173	167		currently serves as a member of the University of Colorado Board of15
174	168		Regents, where she has made a profound and lasting impact on the lives16
175	169		of students, advocating for inclusive policies and supporting initiatives17
176	170		that foster academic excellence, diversity, and leadership development18
177	171		within the university community; and19
178	172		WHEREAS, Leslie Summey is a United States Navy veteran. She20
179	173		is the first African American person to ever be elected as a Commissioner21
180	174		on the Arapahoe County Board of County Commissioners and was sworn22
181	175		into office January 9, 2023. Her current term expires January 2027. She23
182	176		serves as the first African American chair of the Arapahoe County Board24
183	177		of County Commissioners; and25
184	178		WHEREAS, The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion,26
185	179		known as the "Six Triple Eight", was an all-African American, all-female27
186	180		unit during World War II, playing a critical role in maintaining morale28
187	181		and communication between United States soldiers stationed overseas and29
188	182		their families back home. This battalion, which served in Europe, was30
189	183		tasked with sorting and delivering delayed mail to troops, facing31
190	184		tremendous challenges due to the sheer volume of undelivered packages.32
191	185		The women of the 6888th, led by Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams33
192	186		Earley, displayed incredible determination and dedication, working34
193	187		around the clock to ensure that soldiers received their letters and supplies;35
194	188		and36
195	189		WHEREAS, The 6888th's contributions were overlooked for many37
196	190		1020
197	191		-5- years, but their service was integral to the success of wartime efforts and1
198	192		a milestone in the integration of women into the military. The 6888th is2
199	193		now recognized as one of the most important units in African American3
200	194		and women's military history; and4
201	195		WHEREAS, John W. Mosley Jr. persevered through adversity5
202	196		throughout his life, inspired by his father, John W. Mosley Sr. Mosley Sr.,6
203	197		born into slavery, migrated west to Colorado in the 1880s, during the7
204	198		silver boom, seeking opportunity. In an era of Jim Crow laws, Mosley Sr.8
205	199		secured employment as a Pullman porter, one of the few jobs available to9
206	200		African American workers at the time; and10
207	201		WHEREAS, In 1939, John W. Mosley Jr. enrolled at the11
208	202		Agricultural College of Colorado (now Colorado State University),12
209	203		becoming the first African American letterman in the school's history.13
210	204		Many refer to him as the Jackie Robinson of CSU athletics. In 1998,14
211	205		Mosley Jr. was inducted into the CSU Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2009,15
212	206		he was admitted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame; and16
213	207		WHEREAS, After college, Mosley Jr. joined the Tuskegee Airmen17
214	208		and trained as a bomber pilot, one of the first African Americans to do so.18
215	209		Lieutenant Colonel Mosley served for over 25 years on active and reserve19
216	210		duty, including during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam20
217	211		War. He participated in the Berlin Airlift, achieved the rank of command21
218	212		pilot, and served as both a trainer and mentor to young pilots. Mosley Jr.22
219	213		often remarked, "I had to fight in order to fight!"; and23
220	214		WHEREAS, In 2015, Aurora Public Schools dedicated a P-824
221	215		school to Mosley Jr. and his wife, Edna. The school, Edna and John W.25
222	216		Mosley P-8, opened on October 1, 2015, near Airport Boulevard and26
223	217		Second Avenue in Aurora, Colorado, and currently serves over 90027
224	218		students; and28
225	219		WHEREAS, In 2021, Congress proposed a bill to dedicate the29
226	220		newly built VA community-based outpatient clinic in Aurora, Colorado,30
227	221		to Lieutenant Colonel Mosley. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on31
228	222		January 27, 2025, and the clinic opened its doors to veterans on February32
229	223		3, joining the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, which serves33
230	224		over 100,000 veterans annually; and34
231	225		WHEREAS, The contributions of African American veterans35
232	226		extend beyond the battlefield, as they have continued to serve their36
233	227		1020
234	228		-6- communities as leaders, activists, educators, and public servants; and1
235	229		WHEREAS, Recognizing the sacrifices and achievements of2
236	230		African American veterans is essential to ensuring their legacy is honored3
237	231		and their stories are preserved for future generations; and4
238	232		WHEREAS, We formally acknowledge and honor the5
239	233		extraordinary service and sacrifices of African American veterans6
240	234		throughout United States history; now, therefore,7
241	235		Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Seventy-fifth8
242	236		General Assembly of the State of Colorado, the Senate concurring herein:9
243	237		That we, the General Assembly, in recognition of the heroic efforts10
244	238		and significant sacrifices of African American veterans:11
245	239		(1) Support efforts to ensure African American veterans receive12
246	240		equitable access to benefits, health care, and resources that they have13
247	241		rightfully earned through their service;14
248	242		(2) Encourage educational initiatives, museums, and historical15
249	243		institutions to highlight the contributions of African American veterans,16
250	244		ensuring their stories are shared and celebrated;17
251	245		(3) During Black History Month and beyond, commit to18
252	246		recognizing African American veterans' valor, perseverance, and19
253	247		patriotism, affirming our dedication to justice, equality, and the honor of20
254	248		their sacrifices; and21
255	249		(4) Encourage the commemoration of African American veterans22
256	250		throughout both the Senate and the House of Representatives.23
257	251		Be It Further Resolved, That copies of this Joint Resolution be sent24
258	252		to the Congressional Black Caucus; the National Black Caucus of State25
259	253		Legislators; the Retired Enlisted Association; the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.;26
260	254		the Colorado Black Women for Political Action; State Commander Carol27
261	255		Thomas, Department of Colorado Veterans of Foreign Wars; American28
262	256		Legion Department of Colorado; the United Veterans Coalition of29
263	257		Colorado; the Colorado Disabled American Veterans; the Mountain30
264	258		States Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America; Colonel James H.31
265	259		Harvey III; Mrs. Peggy Chivers, the wife of the late Lieutenant Colonel32
266	260		Clarence Chivers; and Aaron Futrell, grandson of John W. Mosley Jr.33
267	261		1020
268	262		-7-