82R28200 CBE-D
By: Pickett H.C.R. No. 163
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, For well over a century, Americans have set aside a
time to honor those members of its military forces who have died in
this country's service; and
WHEREAS, Originally called Decoration Day, this special
remembrance was first observed in 1868, when flowers were placed on
the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers, and by the end of the
19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30
throughout the nation; in 1971, Congress designated the last Monday
in May as Memorial Day; and
WHEREAS, Legions of Americans have stepped forward to serve
their country in times of conflict, and more than a million have
made the ultimate sacrifice; they "gave the last full measure of
devotion" on their native soil, in foreign lands, and on seas around
the world, and on this Memorial Day, as Texans pause to remember, we
commemorate with fresh sorrow all Texans who have been killed in
combat; and
WHEREAS, Second only to the Vietnam War as the longest
sustained U.S. military operation in history, the Global War on
Terrorism has claimed the lives of nearly 6,000 American service
members, including more than 500 Texans; today we expressly want to
pay homage to those brave fallen soldiers and the families they left
behind; and
WHEREAS, It is a grateful nation that reflects on our
American heritage and recognizes the extreme sacrifices made by all
who serve in the armed forces; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the 82nd Texas Legislature, That the Senate and
House of Representatives of the State of Texas meet in a joint
memorial session in the Hall of the House of Representatives on
Saturday, May 28, 2011, at 11 a.m., for the Fallen Heroes Memorial
Service to pay tribute to all who have died in the service of this
country and to honor especially the Texans killed while serving in
the Global War on Terrorism; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Honorable Rick Perry, Governor of Texas,
all Texas state officials, and the family members of those killed in
the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan be, and hereby are, invited to
attend the joint memorial session; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby commemorate Memorial Day 2011 and express deep appreciation
to all the men and women who have served our great country.