SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 743
WHEREAS, The University of Texas Longhorn Alumni Band and
The University of Texas Longhorn Band have accepted an invitation
to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the invasion of Normandy,
in Normandy, France, on June 6, 2019; and
WHEREAS, The University of Texas Longhorn Alumni Band and
The University of Texas Longhorn Band have a distinguished
history of representing the university and the State of Texas,
and on this memorable and historic occasion, more than 550 alumni
band members and guests are participating to mark the most
celebrated World War II anniversary, which commemorates the
beginning of the end of Nazi control over Europe; and
WHEREAS, The University of Texas Longhorn Alumni Band was
selected because this group represents the best of American
culture, of patriotism, and of friendship among the neighbors,
friends, and allies of the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, The Longhorn Alumni Band will be honoring the
American and Allied forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in the
Battle of Normandy during the Allied offensive code-named
Operation Overlord, which launched the successful invasion of
German-occupied Western Europe during World War II on June 6,
1944; and
WHEREAS, The Longhorn Alumni Band will serve as the
ceremonial band at official D-Day services in France at the
Brittany American Cemetery and at the Normandy American Cemetery
overlooking Omaha Beach; and
WHEREAS, Longhorn Alumni Band member Kenny Bierschenk will
play "Taps" on a trumpet which survived the Normandy invasion and
was presented to the alumni band by the grandson of Sergeant
Richard Wank, who took part in the World War II invasion and was
the first person off the landing craft and only survivor of his
Higgins boat unit; and
WHEREAS, The Longhorn Alumni Band will participate as the
final band in the Musical Salute to Liberation in the June 8, 2019,
celebration parade in Sainte-Mère-Église, which is traditionally
attended by citizens from around the world who celebrate and show
their gratitude for the liberation of France; and
WHEREAS, The University of Texas Longhorn Alumni Band is
over 4,000 members strong and enjoys worldwide renown; it was
established in 1964 by several alumni band members in
coordination with Vincent R. DiNino, Director Emeritus of the
Longhorn Band, and his wife, Jane DiNino, to continue the
long-standing traditions of the Longhorn Band, and it provides
scholarships, endowments, and mentorship for the benefit of
current Longhorn Band members; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
Legislature, hereby recognize and commend The University of
Texas Longhorn Alumni Band and The University of Texas Longhorn
Band for representing the United States of America and the State
of Texas on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the D-Day
invasion of Normandy in France.
Watson
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 15, 2019.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate