CO HJR1005

Colorado General Assembly formally recognizes and honors the service and sacrifices of African American veterans throughout U.S. history, from colonial times through present-day conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan

Highlights specific historical contributions: approximately 180,000 African Americans served in the Civil War Union Army; over 380,000 served in WWI; more than 1.25 million served in WWII, including over 70% of Red Ball Express drivers

Honors notable Colorado figures including Tuskegee Airmen Lt. Col. Clarence Shivers and Col. James Harvey III; Cathay Williams (first African American woman to serve in U.S. military, memorialized in Pueblo); and Lt. Col. John W. Mosley Jr., whose name was given to the new VA clinic in Aurora that opened February 3, 2025

Supports equitable access to benefits, health care, and resources for African American veterans and encourages educational initiatives to highlight their contributions

Directs copies of the resolution be sent to the Congressional Black Caucus, Tuskegee Airmen Inc., multiple Colorado veterans organizations, and family members of honored veterans