88S20017 BK-D
By: Toth H.C.R. No. 1
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Each year, Americans set aside a special day to
honor those members of the U.S. military forces who gave their lives
in the line of duty; and
WHEREAS, Memorial Day originated in the years following the
Civil War, when Americans held springtime tributes for soldiers who
had been killed during the conflict, laying flowers on their graves
and offering prayers; originally known as Decoration Day, the
tradition expanded after World War I in order to recognize all
military personnel who died in service to the country; in 1971, the
federal government established Memorial Day as a national holiday,
to be held annually on the last Monday in May; and
WHEREAS, The toll of war has been a heavy one; since the
founding of our republic, more than one million U.S. military
personnel have died during wartime, and an even higher number have
been wounded; thousands have endured extreme privation as prisoners
of war, and thousands have been listed as missing in action; and
WHEREAS, Throughout Texas, residents make a special effort to
honor fallen service members; the loss of these valiant men and
women is keenly felt not only by their loved ones but also by the
communities in which they resided, as well as by all Texans who
treasure the gift of freedom for which they fought; and
WHEREAS, To those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in
behalf of our country, we owe a debt that is truly beyond measure;
while Memorial Day remains an essential and meaningful observance,
its poignance can be amplified by officially designating the entire
month of May in memory of those heroic individuals who gave all in
service to their fellow citizens; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas,
2nd Called Session, hereby designate May as Memorial Month; and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section
391.004(d), Government Code, this designation remain in effect
until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally
passed by the legislature.