IV 118th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1361 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 18, 2024 Mr. Crow (for himself, Ms. Pettersen , Ms. DeGette , Ms. Caraveo , and Mr. Neguse ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of July 20, 2024, as National Heroes Day to honor the sacrifices of everyday heroes who save lives and improve their communities.

Whereas, 10 years ago, on July 20, 2012, in Aurora, Colorado, 12 lives were taken and 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; Whereas, first inspired by the two servicemembers and two civilians whose lives were taken while shielding others on July 20, 2012, in an Aurora theater, we recognize July 20 as National Heroes Day to honor the sacrifices of everyday heroes who save lives and improve their communities; Whereas, on July 20, 2012, 12 lives were taken, 70 were wounded, and an entire community suffered emotional damage including one victim losing a daughter and suffering a miscarriage when a gunman opened fire at the Aurora Mall Theater; Whereas, during this heinous act of violence, moviegoers courageously took immediate action risking their own lives to protect and save the lives of others; Whereas the United States has experienced over 300 mass shootings in 2022; Whereas the same heroic acts of bravery seen in Aurora are reflected in countless other tragedies as gun violence continues in our communities; Whereas, on May 14, 2022, 10 lives were taken, 3 were wounded, and an entire community was affected and suffered emotional damage when a gunman opened fire at a Buffalo, New York, supermarket in a racially motivated attack; Whereas, during this heinous act of violence, community members, including a retired law enforcement agent courageously took immediate action risking their own lives to protect and save the lives of others; Whereas, on May 15, 2022, one life was taken, five were wounded, and an entire community was affected and suffered emotional damage when a gunman opened fire on churchgoers in Laguna Woods, California; Whereas, during this heinous act of violence, churchgoers, including a respected community member and doctor courageously took immediate action risking their own lives to protect and save the lives of others; Whereas, on May 24, 2022, the lives of 19 innocent children and 2 teachers were taken, and an entire community was affected and suffered emotional damage when a gunman opened fire at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas; Whereas, during this heinous act of violence, teachers and students courageously took immediate action risking their own lives to protect and save the lives of others; Whereas, on June 1, 2022, four lives were taken, others injured, and an entire community was affected and suffered emotional trauma when a gunman opened fire at a Tulsa, Oklahoma, medical facility; Whereas, during this heinous act of violence, community members, including a United States Army veteran, courageously took immediate action risking their own lives to protect and save the lives of others; Whereas, on July 4, 2022, 7 lives were taken, over 24 people wounded, and an entire community was affected and suffered emotional trauma when a gunman opened fire on a crowd at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois; Whereas, during this heinous act of violence, spectators and parade members courageously took immediate action risking their own lives to protect and save the lives of others; Whereas, on November 20, 2022, 5 lives were taken, 17 wounded, and an entire community was affected, when a gunman open fired on club goers in Club Q in Colorado Springs; Whereas, during this horrific act of violence, individuals placed the safety of strangers above their own in an effort to subdue the gunman and save the lives of countless others; and Whereas there are countless other examples of heroes standing up for their communities during crises every day: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1) recognizes, commends, and honors the selfless dedication fellow citizens displayed through heroic actions across the country and uses the example of their sacrifice to renew our commitment to supporting our neighbors; (2) calls upon the Members of the House of Representatives and all people of the United States to observe a National Heroes Day with appropriate and personal expressions of service and reflection, which can include performing good deeds, displaying the United States flag, and engaging in community service or other charitable activities; and (3) urges all people of the United States to continue to live their lives throughout the year with the same spirit of courage, service, and compassion that is exhibited by these everyday heroes.