“Eight years ago today, 12 lives were taken, 70 were wounded and hundreds more suffered emotional trauma, but even in this tragedy, we saw incredible heroism that night. Those who carried people to safety and cared for the gravely wounded. And we saw those who sacrificed themselves by shielding others such as Johnathan Blunk, John Larimer, Matthew McQuinn and Alex Teves.
The four men inspired the speaker and Perlmutter to introduce House Resolution 1051 to designate July 20 as National Heroes Day, Perlmutter said during a speech on the house floor Monday.
McQuinn grew up in Springfield and was inside the Colorado movie theater watching a Batman movie when shots rang out. McQuinn shielded his girlfriend from the bullets and was killed. His girlfriend survived.
McQuinn’s mother, Jerri Jackson, still lives in the Springfield area and said the resolution honors her son.
“It’s one more thing that ensures he will be remembered, and even though it’s not just honoring the four, it was inspired by them,” she said.
She said having a son who sacrificed his life for another brings her mixed feelings.
“While it saddens me that he is no longer here, I can’t change that, but to know that his last act was to save somebody else’s life, that makes me proud of the man he was,” Jackson said. “And afterward, we found out so many things. People were saying that he touched their lives. It makes me proud of what he did, but yet there’s always going to be that sadness and a hole in my heart. I am really proud.”
The resolution says it honors both the heroes of the Aurora shooting and everyday heroes throughout the country.
“...On July 20, 2012, in Aurora, Colorado, 12 people’s lives were taken and so many more were injured, yet we saw remarkable acts of bravery in the face of unspeakable violence and everyday people risked their lives to save countless others,” the resolution says. “...Today, during a global pandemic where over 100,000 Americans have lost their lives, we are witnessing everyday people again rising up and putting their lives in jeopardy to help others.”
“First inspired by the two service members and two civilians whose lives were taken while shielding others on July 20, 2012, we recognize July 20 as “National Heroes Day” to honor the sacrifices of everyday heroes who save lives and improve their communities,” the resolution says. “On July 20, 2012, 12 lives were taken, 70 were wounded, and hundreds suffered emotional damage including one victim losing a daughter and suffering a miscarriage when a gunman opened fire at the Aurora Mall Theater; during this heinous act of violence, moviegoers courageously took immediate action risking their own lives to protect and save the lives of others; There are countless other examples of individuals stepping up for their communities every day, during crises, and during natural disasters.”
The resolution calls for members and Congress and citizens to reflect and appreciate the heroes and live their lives with the same spirit.
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