On Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, Lonnie Phillips, left, and his wife, Sandy, stand among the crane sculptures ascending to the sky as part of the memorial garden in Aurora, Colo., honoring the victims of the 2012 mass shooting at an Aurora movie theater, including Sandy’s daughter, Jessica Ghawi. “You can’t help but come here and ask why?” said Sandy Phillips. “I get my strength from him (Lonnie) and from Jess. It’s a fight every day.” (AP Photo/David Goldman) 
Jennifer McGrew and her kids Brayden, 7, and Madison, 13, pay tribute to the twelve victims who were killed during the theater shooting on Monday July 20, 2015 at the intersection of Alameda and Sable. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Aurora Sentinel 
A chalk mural on display at the Aurora Municipal Center’s Water-wise Reflection Garden July 23, 2022. The art and annual beer festival is in remembrance of Aurora theater shooting victims. Photo by Carina Julig/Sentinel Colorado 
Sandy Phillips and her husband, Lonnie, sit for a portrait at her friend’s home in Lone Tree, Colo., Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, behind a photo of her daughter, Jessica Ghawi, who was killed in the 2012 mass shooting at an Aurora, Colo., movie theater. Suffering through their own personal loss after the mass shooting, the couple set out to help other parents like them, traveling to shooting sites around the country. The trip continued for a decade. (AP Photo/David Goldman) 
Members of the Cunningham Fire Protection District hold candle during a candlelight vigil for the anniversary of the theater shooting on Monday July 20, 2015 at The Potter’s House Church. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Aurora Sentinel
AURORA | Members of Colorado’s U.S. House delegation are again seeking support to recognize the upcoming anniversary of the mass shooting inside Aurora’s Century 16 movie theater as “National Heroes Day,” acknowledging the first responders and bystanders who saved lives in 2012 and during other, subsequent shootings.
The foundation will also host a “Day of Resilience” on Saturday that will include a 5-kilometer walk and run, chalk art display and live music. Information about registering for the 5K and buying a discounted wristband for the July 20 beer tasting are available at www.7-20memorial.org/upcoming-events.
“We saw remarkable acts of bravery in the face of unspeakable violence, and everyday people risked their lives to save countless others,” reads the resolution reintroduced Thursday by the state’s five House Democrats. “There are countless other examples of heroes standing up for their communities during crises every day.”
A news release from the office of Aurora Rep. Jason Crow specifically mentioned how Jonathan Blunk, John Larimer, Matt McQuinn and Alex Teves were all shot while using their bodies to shield others inside the Aurora theater.
The resolution from Crow, and representatives Yadira Caraveo, Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse and Brittany Pettersen goes on to describe the courageous acts of other bystanders who endangered themselves while trying to intervene in shootings since July 20, 2012.
“Out of moments of crisis — from senseless violence to natural disasters — everyday heroes step forward. They deserve recognition as the servant leaders our communities rely on in our greatest time of need,” Crow said in the news release.
July 20 will mark the 12th anniversary of the massacre that left a dozen people dead and 70 others wounded during a midnight movie screening at Century 16.
Support for Aurora, victims and their families has come from across the nation.
“I am deeply inspired by the resilience of the Aurora community and their ability to transform pain into meaningful change,” former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords said in a statement. “Despite the time that has passed, we are always reminded of the importance of honoring those lost that day with action. The fight is not over—we must continue to push for gun violence prevention reform in order to build safer communities across the country.”
Events organized by the 7/20 Memorial Foundation to honor the victims and survivors of the shooting included a vigil that took place Friday night at the southeast corner of the Aurora Municipal Complex.
It is imperative that Aurora honor APD Officer Dave Hutchings, who was tasked with entering and un-boobytrapping the apartment of the Aurora Theatre Shooter.
Officer Hutchings was a highly decorated officer who was my classmate at Gateway High in the 80s.
He unalived himself after the shooting and other events from July 20.
I consider him to be the 13th victim of that evening, given his task in clearing out that horror show of an apartment and saving countless lives of the residents of that building and the surrounding buildings.
Thank you for your consideration.
Continually resurrecting this crime is detrimental. Much like the Columbine people, they feed off of the notoriety and seek fame off of the death of others.