H.C.R. No. 115
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The battleship Texas, built nearly a century ago,
endures as one of this state's most recognized and revered
historical monuments; and
WHEREAS, Commissioned on March 12, 1914, the Texas served in
World War I and World War II and saw action in the Atlantic and
Pacific; during the Second World War, it supported the allied
invasion of North Africa, the D-Day invasion at Normandy, and the
invasion of Southern France, as well as the assaults at Iwo Jima and
Okinawa; remarkably, the Texas suffered only one combat casualty
during its many naval campaigns, earning it the nickname "the Lucky
Ship"; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of its long history, the USS Texas
experienced many notable firsts, including being the first U.S.
battleship to launch an airplane and the first ship in the U.S. Navy
to use radar; and
WHEREAS, The Texas was decommissioned on April 21, 1948, and
retired to its present berth at the San Jacinto Battleground State
Historic Site; registered as a National Historic Landmark and as a
National Mechanical Engineering Landmark, the Texas has also been
designated as the official State Ship of Texas, and it serves as the
flagship of the Texas Navy; the battleship is under the care and
direction of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and it
receives crucial support from the Battleship Texas Foundation; and
WHEREAS, Led by retired military leaders and by concerned
business and civic leaders and community volunteers, the foundation
is a nonprofit group that raises funds to assist in the ship's
preservation and restoration; in addition, the foundation supports
a number of outreach initiatives, including the Youth Education
Program, the Overnight Program, and hard hat tours of areas on the
ship that are normally closed to the public; and
WHEREAS, An icon of the Lone Star State, the battleship Texas
is an imposing monument to freedom and a majestic memorial to all
those Americans who have served in its defense; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby recognize the historical and cultural importance of the
battleship Texas and commend the Battleship Texas Foundation for
its ongoing efforts to preserve this unique asset of the Lone Star
State for future generations; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the Battleship Texas Foundation as an expression of
high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.
Smith of Harris
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 115 was adopted by the House on
April 21, 2011, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 115 was adopted by the Senate on May
27, 2011, by a viva-voce vote.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: __________________
Date
__________________
Governor