By: Wilson H.R. No. 1716
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The observance of World War II Veterans Capitol Day
on May 11, 2023, provides an opportunity to honor brave members of
the Greatest Generation for their selfless service; and
WHEREAS, On December 7, 1941, the United States was drawn
into the most devastating and consequential conflict in human
history; then-Texas Governor Coke R. Stevenson predicted that
Texans would rise proudly to the challenge of defending their
country, and he was proved correct by the long lines of volunteers
waiting eagerly to enlist at recruiting centers around the state;
and
WHEREAS, Although Texas in that era had but five percent of
the nation's population, the state provided seven percent of armed
forces personnel; by the end of the war, 750,000 Texans, including
12,000 women, had contributed to victory over enemy forces; the
majority of these service members were in the U.S. Army and the Army
Air Force, but nearly a quarter served in other branches; over
22,000 Texans made the ultimate sacrifice, a third of this number in
the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps., or Coast Guard; Texas A&M University
alone produced more officers than both of the extant military
academies together; and
WHEREAS, Individual Texans fought with great valor in all the
theaters of the war, and 33 were awarded the Medal of Honor; one
such honoree, Lieutenant Audie L. Murphy of Farmersville, was the
most highly decorated American of the Second World War; another
honoree, Private First Class Silvestre S. Herrera of El Paso, was
injured in a fight that led to the capture of eight enemy soldiers;
more than 150 generals and 12 admirals were either natives or
residents of Texas, the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, General
Dwight D. Eisenhower, a Denison native who was stationed at Fort Sam
Houston when the war began; Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, appointed
Commander in Chief, US Pacific Fleet and Commander in Chief,
Pacific Ocean Areas following the attack on Pearl Harbor, was born
in Fredericksburg and descended from a pioneer Texas German family;
other Texans who served with particular distinction include Women's
Army Corp. Colonel Oveta Culp Hobby, who also served as a
parliamentarian in this chamber, Navy cook Doris "Dorie" Miller of
Waco, Marine parachuter Harlan Block, Major General Claire
Chennault of Commerce, and Major General James Earl Rudder of Eden,
among many others who we honor today; and
WHEREAS, According to the National World War II Museum, as of
2022, 8,200 World War II veterans were living in Texas, the
fifth-highest number of all states in the U.S.; they represent 0.6
percent of the state's total veteran population of approximately
1,400,000; and
WHEREAS, Inspired by a deep sense of patriotism, love for
freedom, and opposition to tyranny everywhere, the veterans of
World War II answered their nation's call to duty, and it is indeed
fitting to express our enduring respect and admiration for their
courage and immeasurable fortitude; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize May 11, 2023, as World War II Veterans
Capitol Day and encourage all residents of the Lone Star State to
learn more about the incomparable contributions of the Greatest
Generation.