88S31189 CW-D
By: Klick H.R. No. 114
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, U.S. Army veterans Stephen Lucas, Larry Leonard, and
William Stevens rendered exceptional service to their country as
guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National
Cemetery in Virginia; and
WHEREAS, A hallowed site of national mourning and
remembrance, the tomb's marble monument has stood for more than a
century in tribute to all missing and unknown American soldiers,
and it is the final resting place for three service members from
World War I, World War II, and the Korean War; U.S. Army soldiers
were first assigned to guard the tomb in 1926, and since 1937, the
site has been protected around the clock every day of the year; and
WHEREAS, Stephen Lucas of Fort Worth, Larry Leonard of Haltom
City, and William "Bill" Stevens of Cedar Hill were sentinels at the
monument and are members of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of
the Unknown Soldier; Mr. Lucas served at the site from September
1975 through February 1977; he was awarded the Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier Identification Badge, and on July 5, 1976, he was addressed
by the Queen of England, who was present for a wreath-laying
ceremony; he served for 22 years in the army, receiving the
Meritorious Service Medal, the Drill Sergeant Identification
Badge, and the National Defense Service Medal, and he retired as a
sergeant first class; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Leonard served as a tomb guard from June 1975
through June 1979 and was awarded the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Identification Badge; he was a specialist with the 3rd U.S.
Infantry Regiment from 1975 to 1980, and his military honors
include the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service
Medal, and the Meritorious Unit Award; and
WHEREAS, From December 1967 through October 1968,
Mr. Stevens was a tomb guard relief commander; he earned the Tomb
Guard Badge and was assigned as a special guard to the gravesite of
President John F. Kennedy at Arlington National Cemetery and as a
special escort for Jacqueline Kennedy at Robert Kennedy's funeral
procession to the cemetery in 1968; an army specialist from 1966 to
1968, he received the Old Guard Certificate of Achievement, the
National Defense Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal; and
WHEREAS, Demonstrating the highest levels of discipline,
stamina, and patriotism during their vigils at the Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier, Stephen Lucas, Larry Leonard, and Bill Stevens
honored the service and sacrifice of fallen U.S. soldiers, and they
are indeed deserving of special recognition; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commend Stephen Lucas,
Larry Leonard, and William Stevens for their contributions as
guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and extend to them sincere
appreciation for their distinguished service; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Lucas, Mr. Leonard, and Mr. Stevens as an
expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.