Honoring compassionate Coloradans 70 years after airplane bombing
On Nov. 1, 1955, minutes after leaving Stapleton Airport, United Airways Flight 629 exploded over Colorado farmland, killing all 44 aboard — together with my father. It was the primary confirmed airplane bombing on U.S. soil, attributable to a suitcase bomb planted by a passenger’s member of the family looking for insurance coverage cash.
What adopted was extraordinary: A whole bunch of Coloradans — farmers, ranchers, neighbors — joined regulation enforcement, the FBI, and Nationwide Guard in an enormous search and restoration effort. Their unity and compassion turned a defining second of hope.
Because the daughter of one of many victims, I provide my deepest due to the residents of Weld and Boulder Counties. Your bravery and kindness 70 years in the past nonetheless echo immediately.
On Saturday, Denver Police Museum and Wings Over the Rockies Museum will host the seventieth Anniversary Memorial. These occasions honor not simply the victims, however the on a regular basis heroes who responded.
There may be extra to this tragic, evil occasion past the crime. At this discussion board, I might be sharing how my household overcame this trauma and the way the American spirit was displayed by way of these courageous Colorado residents. Bringing the story of Flight 629 full circle, from ashes to magnificence.
In a time of division, this story reminds us what the American spirit appears to be like like: love, service, and unity.
Could we supply that legacy ahead.
Marian Poeppelmeyer, Columbus, Ohio
This Election Day, vote for hearth districts
As we flip again the clocks and examine smoke alarm batteries, it’s price remembering that many Colorado hearth districts are struggling to satisfy rising calls for with shrinking budgets. Decrease property tax charges have unintentionally lowered funding, forcing departments to stretch getting old gear, defer coaching and function with fewer firefighters.
Hearth departments don’t simply battle wildfires; they’re first on the scene for home fires, visitors accidents and medical emergencies. Each minute issues, and with out correct staffing and trendy instruments, response instances and outcomes endure.
A number of Colorado hearth districts are asking voters to approve extra funding this fall on the poll field. Colorado’s firefighters are devoted, expert and deeply related to their communities. Investing in native hearth districts is investing in public security — and within the resilience of each Colorado group. Please help these points and provides your hearth division the instruments wanted to maintain your group protected.
Ken Watkins, Broomfield
Editor’s be aware: Watkins is government director of Colorado State Hearth Chiefs.
Vote sure to ban sale of flavored tobacco in Denver
I’m voting Sure on Referendum 310 to finish the sale of flavored tobacco. As a nurse practitioner, volunteer with the American Coronary heart Affiliation and resident of Denver’s Congress Park, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impression of tobacco use on kids and households.
Each day, I look after sufferers whose lives have been irreversibly altered by smoking-related diseases like lung illness, coronary heart illness and most cancers. It’s heartbreaking.
However it’s made worse understanding that lots of my sufferers first acquired hooked utilizing flavored tobacco. These merchandise are a lure. Cotton sweet? Mango twist? They’re designed to draw younger individuals. They masks the tough style of tobacco and conceal the hazards of nicotine dependancy, making it straightforward for youths and teenagers to experiment. And too typically, it’s the starting of a harmful path that results in lifelong dependancy and devastating well being penalties.
My sure vote on 310 will defend youngsters and save lives.
Margaret Forbes, Denver
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