The Colorado House on Feb. 5 adopted a package of House Joint Resolutions recognizing veterans, prisoners of war/missing in action, Gold Star Families and service by specific groups including Latino, Native American, African American and World War II, Korean War, Vietnam, Persian Gulf and Tenth Mountain Division veterans.

The ceremonial floor program — billed as Military Appreciation Day — included presentation of the colors by the Colorado National Guard, a performance of the national anthem and a sequence of resolutions read by the clerk. Sponsors and guests gave brief remarks between the roll-call votes.

The resolutions honor distinct groups and occasions: Military Veterans and POW/MIA Appreciation Day (HJR10-10); Gold Star Families (HJR10-11); the 70th anniversary of the capture of the USS Pueblo (HJR10-12); the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II (HJR10-13); remembrance of Vietnam veterans (HJR10-14); Korean War veterans (HJR10-15); Persian Gulf War service (HJR10-16); the Tenth Mountain Division (HJR10-17); recognition of Latina/Latino veterans (HJR10-18); Native American veterans (HJR10-19); and African American veterans (HJR10-20).

Speakers emphasized continuing efforts to locate missing service members, the sacrifices of families and the unique histories of different veteran communities. Representative Bob Brooks (floor vote caller) recorded the roll calls as each resolution was adopted. Representative Danela Caldwell noted the ongoing number of missing U.S. service members and said, “As of right now, as of today, there are still 80,000 American service members missing in action and who never made it home.” Representative Camacho, one of the session’s prime sponsors for several items, said, “Today, we stand together in the honor of the brave American soldiers throughout our country's history.” Representative Armagost highlighted Gold Star families and said they “deserve equal, if not more, recognition and honor for the loss that they've succumbed to.”

Lawmakers also used the platform to highlight local ties: sponsors cited Colorado connections to the USS Pueblo, to Camp Hale and to the Tenth Mountain Division’s role in the state’s outdoor recreation legacy. A moment of silence was observed during remarks on the USS Pueblo resolution.

The chamber recessed briefly after the program and returned to regular order for third reading business.

Votes at the end of the program show the House adopting each listed resolution by the recorded voice or electronic votes displayed during the ceremony. The resolutions were presented sequentially and then voted upon; floor records show each resolution adopted by recorded voice/electronic vote with cosponsor calls following each adoption.

The adoption of ceremonial veteran resolutions is a recurring annual practice in the House; sponsors said the recognitions are intended to support veterans, acknowledge ongoing recovery and remembrance needs, and direct continued coordination with state veteran services.