House Resolution 127

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION HONORING AND COMMENDING MR. WILLIAM "BRELAN" JACKSON FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AS A MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES.

WHEREAS, a true American Patriot, Mr. William "Brelan" Jackson is a rare veteran who holds the distinction of having served in two different branches of the United States Armed Forces, first as a member of the Navy during World War II, a war which was fought to make the world safe for democracy and which repositioned world power and influence, firmly establishing the United States as a dominant world power, and secondly, as a member of the Army during the Korean and Vietnam Wars; and

WHEREAS, born on August 11, 1923, Mr. Jackson, as a result of his hard work and integrity, eventually attained the esteemed rank of Sergeant First Class before retiring and enjoying life back home in the states; and

WHEREAS, when the honorable Mr. Jackson first served the Armed Forces as a member of the United States Navy, he was stationed on two ships, the USS Nevada and the USS Missouri; and

WHEREAS, while stationed on the USS Missouri, Mr. Jackson was able to witness the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, which took place on the deck of the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay and formalized the surrender of the Empire of Japan, marking the end of World War II; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure in the Navy, Mr. Jackson's ships were deployed to several remote areas of service, including Attu Island, the Aleutian Islands, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Japan; and

WHEREAS, after his service in the Navy, Mr. Jackson served in the United States Army where he deployed during both the Korean War and the Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, over the course of his career in the Armed Forces, Mr. Jackson received numerous awards and commendations, including the Asia-Pacific Campaign Service Medal, Korea Medal, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, American Defense Medal and the Army Commendation Medal among others; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to humbly honor a hero such as William "Brelan" Jackson, whose inspirational life of tireless service to his fellowman and country is an exemplary model of a patriotic American to which all citizens of our great country may aspire:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Mr. William "Brelan" Jackson for his honorable record of achievement as a veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War and extend best wishes for good health, peace and much happiness.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. William "Brelan" Jackson, VFW Post 5569, Ackerman, Mississippi, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.