85R8257 BPG-D
By: Taylor of Collin S.C.R. No. 21
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Purple Heart is a combat decoration awarded to
members of the United States armed forces who are wounded by an
instrument of war in the hands of the enemy or presented to the next
of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds
received in action; and
WHEREAS, In 1932, the Military Order of the Purple Heart was
established to protect and further the interests of Purple Heart
recipients; its membership remains composed entirely of Purple
Heart recipients; and
WHEREAS, Texas is home to 1.5 million veterans, representing
5 percent of the nation's total veteran population; the state has 29
Purple Heart cities, 4 Purple Heart counties, and 9 Purple Heart
universities, which have all committed to recognizing veterans and
honoring their commitments to veterans services; in addition, Texas
is home to Henry T. Waskow New Tech High School in Belton, the first
high school in the nation to earn a Purple Heart School designation,
and to Purple Heart Elementary School in El Paso; and
WHEREAS, Numerous Texas agencies provide services to benefit
former members of the military, including the Texas Veterans
Commission, Texas Veterans Land Board, Office of the Adjutant
General, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, State Bar of
Texas, Department of State Health Services, Department of Assistive
and Rehabilitative Services, Texas Workforce Commission, Texas
Workforce Investment Council, Texas Higher Education Coordinating
Board, Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or
Mental Impairments, Texas Commission on Jail Standards, Texas
Department of Housing and Community Affairs, and Texas Department
of Agriculture; and
WHEREAS, The State of Texas is dedicated to improving the
lives of its veterans with the highest standard of services, and it
acknowledges the enormous sacrifices made by recipients of the
Purple Heart; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 85th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby recognize Texas as a Purple Heart State; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Texas Legislature encourage agencies and
government bodies at all levels to serve veterans with the same
degree of devotion demonstrated by members of the armed forces in
their service to our state and nation.