By Noriega                                              H.R. No. 88
         76R5279 GMW-D                           
                                 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.