Colorado lawmakers vowed to support troops on their way to war and when they return at a Veterans Day ceremony Wednesday at Fort Logan National Cemetery.
Gov. Bill Ritter, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman addressed nearly 1,000 people gathered in the sunshine to honor those who have worn the uniform of the United States armed services.
“It’s about us matching the devotion we have to those presently on the line with the desire to care for veterans,” said Ritter, a Democrat whose father is buried at Fort Logan. “(Support) cannot end the day they leave the service.”
He pointed out that he’s the commander in chief of the Colorado National Guard and has been touched by his visits to Afghanistan and Kuwait.
Bennet, a Democrat, offered thanks to those in the audience who served in the armed forces, many of whom attended the ceremony in uniform or in caps noting their branch.
Bennet also touted a bill he recently co-sponsored with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., which would help more veterans land teaching jobs in public schools.
“We need to enlist their skills to instill the value of learning and self-sacrifice to the next generation,” Bennet said.
Coffman, a retired Marine Corps major, earned some of the only applause at the tranquil service.
“Despite how we feel about the wars this country is engaged in, we always must honor and support those who serve there,” said Coffman, R- Colo., his speech punctuated by a ceremonial Air National Guard flyover.
He quipped later that he had to check his natural instincts when the planes passed overhead.
“As an infantryman, it’s a big thing when those guys fly over. You call in support,” he said.
Jessica Fender: 303-954-1244 or jfender@denverpost.com
