81R6038 BPG-D
By: Paxton H.R. No. 280
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Phil Taylor of Frisco has turned his artistic talent
to a patriotic purpose through the American Fallen Soldiers
Project; and
WHEREAS, Founded by Mr. Taylor and his wife, Lisa, this
nonprofit organization presents families with portraits of their
loved ones who have died in service to our country; the artist
volunteers his labor and materials are paid for by the
organization, which has given portraits to more than two dozen
families; and
WHEREAS, The project grew out of a tragedy that touched the
Taylor family in 2007; a friend of their youngest daughter was
killed in a motorcycle accident shortly before his high school
graduation, and Mr. Taylor decided to paint a portrait of the young
man for his parents; their heartfelt gratitude inspired him to
offer solace to a friend whose brother had been killed in Iraq by
painting a portrait of the brave captain; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing that there are many families grieving
the loss of service members, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor established the
Texas Fallen Soldiers Project; eventually, word of the program
spread, and they began receiving requests for portraits from around
the country; they changed the name of the organization to reflect
its wider reach and are building their staff and raising funds
through such events as a golf tournament and honors banquet; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Taylor apprenticed under noted visual artist
Brad Smith and has painted numerous commissioned portraits; by
sharing his gifts with Gold Star families, he has not only provided
consolation but also created lasting memorials to honor the lives
of those who made the ultimate sacrifice; the American Fallen
Soldiers Project is an inspirational expression of respect and
profound appreciation for our military heroes and their families;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby honor Phil Taylor for his contributions and
commend all those associated with the American Fallen Soldiers
Project for their patriotism and compassion; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the American Fallen Soldiers Project as an expression
of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.