SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 743
         WHEREAS, The University of Texas Longhorn Alumni Band and
  The University of Texas Longhorn Band have accepted an invitation
  to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the invasion of Normandy,
  in Normandy, France, on June 6, 2019; and
 
         WHEREAS, The University of Texas Longhorn Alumni Band and
  The University of Texas Longhorn Band have a distinguished
  history of representing the university and the State of Texas,
  and on this memorable and historic occasion, more than 550 alumni
  band members and guests are participating to mark the most
  celebrated World War II anniversary, which commemorates the
  beginning of the end of Nazi control over Europe; and
 
         WHEREAS, The University of Texas Longhorn Alumni Band was
  selected because this group represents the best of American
  culture, of patriotism, and of friendship among the neighbors,
  friends, and allies of the United States of America; and
 
         WHEREAS, The Longhorn Alumni Band will be honoring the
  American and Allied forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in the
  Battle of Normandy during the Allied offensive code-named
  Operation Overlord, which launched the successful invasion of
  German-occupied Western Europe during World War II on June 6,
  1944; and
 
         WHEREAS, The Longhorn Alumni Band will serve as the
  ceremonial band at official D-Day services in France at the
  Brittany American Cemetery and at the Normandy American Cemetery
  overlooking Omaha Beach; and
 
         WHEREAS, Longhorn Alumni Band member Kenny Bierschenk will
  play "Taps" on a trumpet which survived the Normandy invasion and
  was presented to the alumni band by the grandson of Sergeant
  Richard Wank, who took part in the World War II invasion and was
  the first person off the landing craft and only survivor of his
  Higgins boat unit; and
 
         WHEREAS, The Longhorn Alumni Band will participate as the
  final band in the Musical Salute to Liberation in the June 8, 2019,
  celebration parade in Sainte-Mère-Église, which is traditionally
  attended by citizens from around the world who celebrate and show
  their gratitude for the liberation of France; and
 
         WHEREAS, The University of Texas Longhorn Alumni Band is
  over 4,000 members strong and enjoys worldwide renown; it was
  established in 1964 by several alumni band members in
  coordination with Vincent R. DiNino, Director Emeritus of the
  Longhorn Band, and his wife, Jane DiNino, to continue the
  long-standing traditions of the Longhorn Band, and it provides
  scholarships, endowments, and mentorship for the benefit of
  current Longhorn Band members; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
  Legislature, hereby recognize and commend The University of
  Texas Longhorn Alumni Band and The University of Texas Longhorn
  Band for representing the United States of America and the State
  of Texas on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the D-Day
  invasion of Normandy in France.
 
  Watson
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on May 15, 2019.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate