Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet announced that they have joined their colleagues in passing a resolution commemorating the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Colorado National Guard. The resolution, authored by the two Senators, honors the Colorado Guard for its service to the state and nation. It affirms the debt of gratitude shared by the citizens of Colorado and the country for the service and sacrifice of the Colorado National Guard.
“Since 1860, the Colorado National Guard has served our state and country, at home and abroad, in a spirit of valor and bravery,” Senator Udall said. “From our state’s beginning to the present, our National Guard has been a ready and reliable force, protecting our homeland against attack, supporting our civil authorities, and defending our freedom overseas. My thoughts are with the over 550 Colorado Guard members currently serving us bravely in Iraq and Afghanistan, and I’m honored to recognize these service members, their families and the Guard’s long tradition of vigilance on our behalf.”
“The spirit of service embodied by members of the Colorado National Guard is one we would all be well-served to follow,” Senator Bennet said. “When duty calls here at home or abroad, the Colorado National Guard has always answered bravely and without hesitation. Today, and every day, we honor their service, their sacrifice and everything they do on behalf of Colorado and our country.”
The Colorado National Guard actually precedes the founding of the state itself. In 1860, the first General Assembly of the Jefferson Territory formed two independent militias that would become the Colorado National Guard after statehood in 1876. Since then, the Guard has served in many conflicts around the world, including both World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf War and present operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. At home in Colorado, the Guard has been instrumental in responses to natural disasters and search and rescue operations.
A copy of the resolution is available here.