Reps. Crow, DeGette, Neguse, Pettersen, and Caraveo Introduce Resolution to Designate July 20 as National Heroes Day Marking 12 Years Since the Aurora Theater Shooting

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06), member of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, alongside Colorado Representatives Diana DeGette (CO-01), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), and Yadira Caraveo (CO-08), reintroduced a resolution to designate July 20 as "National Heroes Day.” The day honors first responders and medical teams for their heroism on July 20, 2012 when a gunman opened fire at the Century 16 movie theater in Aurora, CO – killing twelve, wounding 70, and leaving hundreds emotionally traumatized. 

The tragic Aurora Theater Shooting brought to light those who selflessly put the lives of others ahead of their own during mass shootings; including Jonathan Blunk (26), John Larimer (27); Matt McQuinn (27), and Alex Teves (24) whose lives were taken while shielding others twelve years ago. Congressman Crow with Colorado lawmakers’ resolution also seeks to recognize acts of bravery and courage demonstrated by individuals who witnessed or were the victims of continued gun violence tragedies across the US – from Highland Park, IL to Uvalde, TX to Club Q in Colorado Springs, CO. 

“Twelve years ago, ordinary individuals performed extraordinary acts and saved lives during the Aurora Theater Shooting," said Congressman Crow. "I’m grateful to stand with Colorado leaders to designate July 20 as National Heroes Day. Out of moments of crisis – from senseless violence to natural disasters – everyday heroes step forward. They deserve recognition as the servant leaders our communities rely on in our greatest time of need.”  

“Colorado has suffered some of the worst mass shootings in our nation’s history: Columbine, Aurora, Boulder. In each of these shootings and in other shootings across our country, ordinary Americans performed extraordinary actions to help save lives and keep others safe,” said Congresswoman DeGette. “I am proud to work with Rep. Crow and the Colorado delegation to commemorate National Heroes Day, an opportunity to honor those who stepped up during some of Colorado’s darkest moments and in other tragic mass shootings across the country.”

“I was in 11th grade at a neighboring high school during the Columbine shooting, and I still remember the pain from that day,” said Congresswoman Pettersen. “It’s unfortunately the same pain that shocked Aurora more than a decade later. In these tragic times, it’s the everyday heroes who step up to save lives and help our communities heal. National Heroes Day is a chance for us to honor the selflessness, courage, and service of those who have been a shining light in some of our darkest days.”

“In the midst of the Aurora massacre twelve years ago, everyday Coloradans performed acts of heroism to protect their friends and neighbors from senseless violence,” said Congresswoman Caraveo. “Many of them sacrificed their lives to save others. I’m proud to join my colleagues in honoring these heroes by designating July 20 as National Heroes Day. I’m hopeful that this day will serve as an opportunity for Americans to come together in the spirit of unity to give back to our communities in honor of those who sacrificed so much in the service of others.”

Designating July 20 as National Heroes Day serves as a reminder for us all to act in the same spirit of courage and service through everyday acts of kindness, community service, or other charitable deeds in times of crisis. 

Today’s resolution builds on Congressman Crow’s longstanding fight for lifesaving measures to end gun violence in our communities, including to advocate for safe gun storage and ensure proper implementation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities law – the first comprehensive gun safety reform package in nearly 30 years. In April, Congressman Crow highlighted congressional inaction and the growing need for meaningful legislation in the 25 years since the tragic Columbine High School massacre. 

As of 2023, gun violence is the leading cause of death among children and teens in the US. More than 4,000 Americans have been killed in mass shootings over the last 10 years. 

Read the full text of the resolution here.