Washington, DC -Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator for Colorado, today paid tribute to World War II veterans who helped liberate Nazi concentration camps during a National Days of Remembrance Ceremony organized by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the end of the war.

Among the 120 WWII veterans in attendance was John Hallowell of Lakewood, Colorado, who served in the 157th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Infantry Division, the first Allied force to enter Dachau concentration camp. Hallowell earned a Bronze Star, a Combat Infantry Badge, an Army Good Conduct Medal, a Presidential Unit Citation, a European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with a silver star device and a World War II Victory Medal. He is also the historian for the 157th Regiment.

"There aren't enough words to describe the heroism of the brave Americans honored at the Capitol today, including Coloradan Jack Hallowell," Bennet said. "My mother and my grandparents are among the thousands who owe their lives to them and all World War II veterans for their role in liberating Europe from the grip of unfathomable oppression and tyranny. I join all Coloradans and all Americans in thanking them for their courageous service."

Bennet was one of three senators invited to participate in the ceremony, which included General David H. Petraeus as the featured speaker. In honor of the anniversary of liberation, the Museum has designated "Stories of Freedom: What You Do Matters" as this year's remembrance theme.

Please click here to view the photo gallery from the event