SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 854
WHEREAS, For well over a century, Americans have set aside
Memorial Day as a time to honor those members of the military
forces who have given their lives in service to the United
States; and
WHEREAS, This observance was introduced after the Civil
War as a means of paying tribute to those who had died on both
sides of the conflict; originally called Decoration Day for the
practice of adorning the graves of soldiers with flowers once a
year, the holiday came to be known as Memorial Day, a day to honor
all of the country's fallen; though it was celebrated on May 30
for a number of decades, it has been observed on the final Monday
in May since the early 1970s; and
WHEREAS, In communities across the nation, veterans and
their fellow citizens gather in cemeteries and other public
places to pay tribute to the armed forces personnel who died
protecting our liberty; "Taps," the haunting bugle call
customarily performed at military funerals and memorials since
the Civil War, is played during these ceremonies, and in
accordance with tradition, the United States flag is lowered to
half staff early in the day before being raised again at noon; and
WHEREAS, The most well-known observance of Memorial Day
occurs in Arlington National Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier, where the remains of unidentified Americans from World
War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War are
interred; the president of the United States, accompanied by
honor guards from all branches of the armed services,
traditionally lays a wreath at the tomb, and a bugler offers a
final salute by playing "Taps"; and
WHEREAS, Americans owe an immeasurable debt to those men
and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in behalf of the peace
and stability of our nation, and it is a privilege to join with
citizens across the country in paying homage to the courage,
commitment, and patriotism of its military personnel; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
Legislature, hereby recognize Memorial Day 2019 in solemn
commemoration of those who have died in service to our nation.
Campbell
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 27, 2019.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate