H.C.R. No. 136 HOUSE 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; by the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation, and 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; today, we pause to remember with fresh sorrow all Texans who have been slain in combat as members of the United States military, and we acknowledge the profound loss sustained by the families they have left behind; and WHEREAS, In memorial ceremonies around the nation, Americans reflect gratefully on their heritage and recognize the extreme sacrifices made by all who serve in the armed forces of this country; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the 85th 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 27, 2017, at 10 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 patriotic sons and daughters of the Lone Star State who have given their lives; and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Honorable Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, all Texas state officials, and the family members of those killed in the service of this country be, and hereby are, invited to attend the joint memorial session; and, be it further RESOLVED, That Memorial Day 2017 be commemorated and that the contributions of all the men and women who have served our great country be recognized. Gutierrez ______________________________ ______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 136 was adopted by the House on May 19, 2017, by the following vote: Yeas 141, Nays 0, 2 present, not voting. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 136 was adopted by the Senate on May 22, 2017, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0. ______________________________ Secretary of the Senate RECEIVED: __________________ Date __________________ Secretary of State