Bill Text: TX HR1716 | 2023-2024 | 88th Legislature | Introduced

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft
Bill Title: Recognizing May 11, 2023, as World War II Veterans Capitol Day.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2023-05-11 - Reported enrolled [HR1716 Detail]

Download: Texas-2023-HR1716-Introduced.html
 
 
  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.
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