By:  Sims                                              S.R. No. 641
    1-1                           SENATE RESOLUTION
    1-2        WHEREAS, It is with great pride that the Texas Senate
    1-3  recognizes Willard Griffin of Fredericksburg, Virginia, for his
    1-4  meritorious contributions to the defense of our nation during
    1-5  World War II; and
    1-6        WHEREAS, On July 28, 1944, Willard was a member of the crew
    1-7  of a B24 bomber that was on a bombing mission to Ploesti when the
    1-8  airplane was severely damaged over the target; two of the crew
    1-9  members bailed out, but the remaining eight did everything possible
   1-10  to keep the bomber in the air; and
   1-11        WHEREAS, When it became apparent the airplane could not be
   1-12  saved, the others bailed out over occupied Yugoslavia and spent
   1-13  nearly a year evading the enemy; after V-E Day in 1945, the men were
   1-14  finally able to get out safely; and
   1-15        WHEREAS, Of the original crew, six are still alive, and
   1-16  they are planning a reunion as guests of Jim Inks on his ranch in
   1-17  Llano where they will be treated to our famous Texas hospitality;
   1-18  the veterans will view some of the beautiful Texas hill country and
   1-19  its lakes and dine on succulent Texas barbecue; and
   1-20        WHEREAS, Willard Griffin and his comrades earned the
   1-21  gratitude of their countrymen, and the undaunted courage and
   1-22  extreme sacrifices of these American heroes are truly worthy of
   1-23  legislative commendation; now, therefore, be it
    2-1        RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
    2-2  74th Legislature, hereby express its deepest admiration to
    2-3  Willard Griffin and extend a most hearty Texas welcome with
    2-4  best wishes for a most enjoyable stay in the Lone Star State;
    2-5  and, be it further
    2-6        RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
    2-7  Mr. Griffin as a memento of his visit to Texas.
    2-8                               ______________________________________
    2-9                                       President of the Senate
   2-10                                    I hereby certify that the above
   2-11                               Resolution was adopted by the Senate
   2-12                               on April 5, 1995.
   2-13                               ______________________________________
   2-14                                       Secretary of the Senate
   2-15                               ______________________________________
   2-16                                        Member, Texas Senate