Lawmakers pause to pay tribute to Colorado’s fallen

DENVER – During an emotional ceremony at the State Capitol Monday, Michele Sullivan looked at her son, John M. Sullivan Jr., and saw her husband's legacy.

"He was a wonderful man and will continue to be a wonderful man through his son," she said. "He was honest, caring. He'd give you the shirt off his back."

Sgt. John M. Sullivan of Hixson, Tennessee was a member of the U.S. Army, 2nd Infantry Division based in Fort Carson.

Monday, Sullivan and 47 other service members with Colorado ties were honored at the State Capitol.

Four years after the fall of Baghdad, the ceremony paid tribute to troops who have lost their lives in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Both the State Senate and House unanimously passed resolutions honoring the Colorado troops who have died. They also hosted a reception afterwards for their family members.

"They do it for one reason. They do it because their country asks them to," said Senate Minority Leader Andy McElhany. "I think it's important we take our time to honor those for whom time is standing still."

The ceremony was to assure their families that a larger family was available to support them.

"It has been said that the cost of war will not be known until the last veteran dies. Perhaps it's more accurate to say the cost of war will be borne forever by the families of those who have fallen," said Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald.

Michele Sullivan's husband died the day his son was born, Dec. 30, 2006. She says the baby's curiosity resembles his father's. Michele says her husband would have been in awe of the ceremony at the State Capitol.

"I guess it's nice to know that other people care about soldiers still out there and the ones who have passed on, that people still do care," she said.