R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The 49th Armored Division of the Army National Guard 1-2 has long played a significant role in our national defense, and the 1-3 efforts of this prestigious unit in behalf of the cause of freedom 1-4 are indeed worthy of special praise; and 1-5 WHEREAS, Assigned exclusively to the State of Texas, this 1-6 esteemed division was the first of its kind in National Guard 1-7 history; it was formed following World War II and is composed of 1-8 units with a rich military heritage dating back to both world wars 1-9 and the State of Texas militia; and 1-10 WHEREAS, During the Berlin crisis of 1961-1962 the 49th 1-11 Armored Division was one of only two National Guard units called to 1-12 active duty, and the disciplined efforts of this highly trained 1-13 combat force also assisted in the demise of the Berlin Wall and the 1-14 end of the Cold War; and 1-15 WHEREAS, In early 2000 the 49th Armored Division Headquarters 1-16 will deploy to Bosnia as Task Force Eagle, where they will command 1-17 a group of multinational peacekeepers to help ensure continued 1-18 stability in the volatile region; and 1-19 WHEREAS, This historic mission marks the first time since 1-20 World War II that a National Guard headquarters has commanded 1-21 active duty and foreign forces; and 1-22 WHEREAS, The chief of staff of the United States Army and the 1-23 secretary of defense place full confidence in the abilities of the 1-24 49th Armored Division, and it is equally important that the Texas 2-1 Legislature express its support and abiding appreciation to the 2-2 members of this notable organization; now, therefore, be it 2-3 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-4 Legislature hereby honor the dedicated men and women of the 49th 2-5 Armored Division of the Army National Guard and extend to them and 2-6 their families sincere gratitude for their patriotic service; and, 2-7 be it further 2-8 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-9 prepared for the 49th Armored Division as an expression of high 2-10 regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Noriega _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 88 was adopted by the House on February 1, 1999, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House