By Patterson                                         S.C.R. No. 101
       74R8431 KMP-D
                                 CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
    1-1        WHEREAS, The State of Texas has traditionally recognized a
    1-2  variety of official state symbols that embody the proud spirit and
    1-3  unique heritage of our state; and
    1-4        WHEREAS, The bluebonnet, the pecan tree, and the mockingbird
    1-5  are examples of some natural specimens that serve to symbolize the
    1-6  great diversity of the Texas landscape, while the state dish,
    1-7  chili, fittingly represents another aspect of our shared culture as
    1-8  Texans; and
    1-9        WHEREAS, In keeping with this custom, the designation of the
   1-10  battleship Texas as the official State Ship of Texas will provide
   1-11  suitable recognition for this historic symbol of Texas' indomitable
   1-12  spirit; and
   1-13        WHEREAS, Commissioned in the Norfolk Navy Yard on March 12,
   1-14  1914, the U.S.S.  Texas served in the Atlantic theater during World
   1-15  War I; later, from 1925 to 1926, the Texas was modernized and
   1-16  served as a fleet flagship for the United States Navy; and
   1-17        WHEREAS, In 1939, this exceptional vessel was chosen as the
   1-18  flagship of the Atlantic Training Squadron and one year later was
   1-19  designated as the flagship for the commander of the Atlantic Fleet,
   1-20  Admiral Ernest J. King; and
   1-21        WHEREAS, During World War II, the Texas served her country
   1-22  with great distinction, transporting troops to Europe, Africa, and
   1-23  the Panama Canal Zone while negotiating some of the most dangerous
   1-24  waters of the war; this remarkable ship was unique throughout the
    2-1  world in that it participated in five major Allied invasions in
    2-2  three separate theaters of combat:  North Africa, Southern France,
    2-3  Northern France, Okinawa, and Iwo Jima; and
    2-4        WHEREAS, Nicknamed "The Mighty T," the Texas is perhaps best
    2-5  known as the command ship for the bombardment of Omaha Beach, on
    2-6  whose historic sands American soldiers displayed unflinching
    2-7  bravery in the face of withering enemy fire to begin the
    2-8  long-awaited liberation of France; and
    2-9        WHEREAS, During her entire record of distinguished service to
   2-10  the United States, the Texas experienced only one fatality and 14
   2-11  wounded while off the coast of Cherbourg, France; following her
   2-12  retirement from service, "The Mighty T" was given to the State of
   2-13  Texas, and today she is moored near the San Jacinto Battleground
   2-14  State Historical Park; and
   2-15        WHEREAS, The U.S.S. Texas performed a vital role in the
   2-16  success of many critical missions during peacetime and both world
   2-17  wars, epitomizing the strength, resolve, and gritty determination
   2-18  of her namesake state; this year, as we commemorate the 50th
   2-19  anniversary of the end of World War II, it is indeed appropriate
   2-20  that this mighty vessel be given special legislative recognition as
   2-21  an official symbol of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
   2-22        RESOLVED, That the 74th Legislature of the State of Texas
   2-23  hereby designate the U.S.S. Texas as the official State Ship of
   2-24  Texas.