88R24791 BPG-D
By: Parker, et al. S.R. No. 529
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, In December 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 men 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, it provided seven percent of armed forces
personnel; Texas A&M University produced more officers than both of
the extant military academies together; 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 navy, marines, or coast guard; 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; more than
150 generals and 12 admirals were either natives or residents of
Texas, among them the supreme Allied commander in Europe, General
Dwight D. Eisenhower, a Denison native who was stationed at Fort Sam
Houston when the war began; Chester W. Nimitz, appointed commander
of the Pacific Fleet following the attack on Pearl Harbor, was born
in Fredericksburg and descended from a pioneer Texas German family;
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 and love for
democracy, 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 Senate 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.