DENVER – Here in Denver, it was Colorado politicians that controlled the podium at the VETPAC forum for military veteran congressional candidates. The reception, which was hosted by a slate of elected veterans and their supporters in Congress, was keynoted by U.S. Rep. John Salazar (D-Manassa).

Salazar gave a passionate, and at times, emotional address focusing on his commitment to veterans that stemmed from the pride his late father had in serving his country.

The 3rd Congressional District Democrat told of his hardscrabble childhood and how, later in his life when his father, who was suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, asked to be buried in his military uniform.

“The reason I tell this story is that it is difficult for veterans,” Salazar said, noting that his father in his old age had forgotten many things, including simple day-to-day activities. “But there are two things he never forgot. He never forgot how much he loved this country, and how proud he was of his service to this great country."

“You know I’m not a politician,” Salazar continued. “As a matter of fact, I don’t even like politics. But I love policy and I love to help people and I love to help those who aren’t being heard. And it was on that very day that I made the decision to run for the state House of Representatives so that I could stand up for veterans."

He also hit U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) for being unwilling to raise taxes or close tax loopholes even if it meant helping veterans. U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), he argued, is the only presidential candidate with real veteran support in mind.
Salazar was followed by 5th Congressional District candidate Hal Bidlack, a former  Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Air Force.

“After listening to the congressman,” Bidlack said, “I realized I have to tell you about my dad. The proudest moment of his military career was when he saw FDR drive by and he thought, ‘There is a president who cares about every man in uniform.’”

Bidlack said that Roosevelt, like most Democrats, understood better than Republicans that taking care of veterans is a “sacred promise”.