<BillNo> <Sponsor>
SENATE RESOLUTION 226
By Gardenhire
SR0226
007750
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A RESOLUTION to honor the Tennessee Society Sons of the
American Revolution on the celebration of its
135
th
anniversary.
WHEREAS, the Senate takes pleasure in recognizing those outstanding civic and
patriotic organizations and their members who work with purpose, commitment, and enthusiasm
to promote patriotism and preserve America's panoramic history and heritage; and
WHEREAS, one such worthy organization is the Tennessee Society Sons of the
American Revolution (TNSSAR), founded in Nashville in December 1889, whose proud
members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the
Revolutionary War; and
WHEREAS, TNSSAR seeks to perpetuate the ideals of the war for independence,
stories of patriotism, courage, sacrifice, tragedy, and triumph of the men and women who
achieved the independence of the American people; and
WHEREAS, the exemplary community service undertaken by the members of TNSSAR
includes working with veterans hospitals; placing markers at Revolutionary War patriots'
gravesites; offering the services of the color guard to parades, grave dedications, and other
appropriate events; and participating in naturalization ceremonies for new citizens; and
WHEREAS, Tennessee Code Annotated, § 49-6-1001, requires daily recitation of the
Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States in each classroom in which the flag is
displayed and encourages patriotic organizations such as the Tennessee Society Sons of the
American Revolution to donate flags to schools to ensure the presence of the flag of the United
States of America in each classroom; and
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WHEREAS, in furtherance of this goal, the Society has donated over 4,000 flags to
classrooms across the State of Tennessee through its America 250 Flags for Freedom project;
and
WHEREAS, over the past 135 years, the Society has counted among its Compatriots
numerous citizens who have achieved high positions of acclaim in their chosen fields of public
service and endeavor, including Education and Letters, Military and Law, and Politics; these
Compatriots include Lt. General Frank Maxwell Andrews, for whom Andrews Air Force Base is
named; General William Westmoreland; Lt. Colonel P.Z. Horton; U.S. Senator Estes Kefauver;
Governor Ned Ray McWherter; Tennessee Senate Majority Leader and United States District
Court Judge Mark Norris; State Senators Todd Gardenhire and Ed Jackson; and State Senate
Sergeants-at-Arms Ronnie Townes, Bruce Jackson, and Dan Lee, among others; and
WHEREAS, TNSSAR annually honors individuals for good citizenship as well as those
who have evinced outstanding bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of imminent danger; the
Society also recognizes select law enforcement officials who have demonstrated outstanding
service with the Law Enforcement Award; and
WHEREAS, moreover, the Society annually acknowledges outstanding high school
students with the Good Citizenship Award and recognizes exceptional JROTC cadets with the
ROTC Award; TNSSAR also conducts State scholarship competitions for Eagle Scouts and
hosts a statewide historical oration contest; and
WHEREAS, Tennessee Code Annotated, § 15-2-114, provides that "April 19 of each
year shall be observed as 'Patriots' Day,' to honor and recognize the opening events of the War
of the Revolution"; TNSSAR annually commemorates Patriots' Day by presenting the Colors in
the Tennessee Senate; and
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WHEREAS, we find it appropriate to acknowledge and applaud the Tennessee Society
Sons of the American Revolution for over 135 years of patriotic service and its dedication to
promoting patriotism and preserving American history; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENT H
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, that we honor the Tennessee
Society Sons of the American Revolution for its meritorious service to Tennessee, commend the
Society for its countless contributions and many good works in patriotic service, and extend our
best wishes during the celebration of its 135
th
anniversary and beyond.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared
for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy.