H.R. No. 2323 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Words cannot adequately express the sorrow felt at the death of U.S. Army Specialist Jermaine Donnell Franklin of Arlington, who died on November 9, 2007, at the age of 22; and WHEREAS, Assigned to the 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Specialist Franklin lost his life while bravely serving his country in Iraq; and WHEREAS, Known for his fine sense of humor and his way with children, Specialist Franklin admired his grandfather and father, both of whom served this country in battle, and he proudly followed in their footsteps when he joined the United States Army; and WHEREAS, Our state and nation are fortunate to have men and women whose love for their country inspires them to take up military service, yet the tragic death of this young soldier is a sobering reminder of the cost of war; Specialist Franklin embodied the highest ideals of the U.S. armed forces, and those who knew and loved him will forever carry him close in their hearts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of U.S. Army Specialist Jermaine Donnell Franklin and extend deepest sympathy to all those who mourn his passing; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of U.S. Army Specialist Jermaine Donnell Franklin. Patrick ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2323 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 21, 2009. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House