By Noriega                                             H.R. No. 594
         76R11506 JHS-D                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, On April 11, 1999, members of the Houston Light
 1-2     Guard will attend that organization's 126th annual reunion, and the
 1-3     many individuals, past and present, who have served with this
 1-4     esteemed military unit are truly deserving of special legislative
 1-5     recognition; and
 1-6           WHEREAS, The Houston Light Guard was formed on April 21,
 1-7     1873, when the Harrisburg Guards and the Lynchburg Guards joined
 1-8     forces; these renowned fighting forces fought at the Battle of San
 1-9     Jacinto and gallantly defended Texas for many years, first as a
1-10     nation and later as a state; and
1-11           WHEREAS, Although military restrictions were implemented at
1-12     the conclusion of the Civil War, or the "War of Northern
1-13     Aggression," as it was known in Texas, the members of the Houston
1-14     Light Guard formed a ceremonial guard unit that allowed them to
1-15     train for ceremonial duties while remaining available to the
1-16     governor as a militia unit; and
1-17           WHEREAS, Throughout its illustrious history, this noteworthy
1-18     group has demonstrated unparalleled excellence in international
1-19     competitions involving battle drill, marksmanship, and marching in
1-20     close and open order, and its superior skill and performance in
1-21     these efforts have earned the Houston Light Guard numerous awards
1-22     and prizes; and
1-23           WHEREAS, The Houston Light Guard has long been recognized as
1-24     a highly trained and dedicated combat unit, and its members have
 2-1     proudly served in many of our nation's conflicts; the Houston Light
 2-2     Guard served in the Texas Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish
 2-3     American War and as an infantry company in the Second Battalion of
 2-4     the 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th "Texas Division," in France
 2-5     during World War I; and
 2-6           WHEREAS, In World War II, the Houston Light Guard was once
 2-7     again called to active duty and played a key role in an amphibious
 2-8     invasion of North Africa; as G Company, 2/143 Infantry, 36th
 2-9     Division, the guard participated in four amphibious assaults,
2-10     bringing great honor to the Lone Star State and earning a
2-11     Presidential Unit Citation; and
2-12           WHEREAS, The legacy of the Houston Light Guard is one of
2-13     honor, integrity, and courage, and the many soldiers who have
2-14     proudly served in this exemplary fighting unit indeed merit our
2-15     most sincere appreciation; now, therefore, be it
2-16           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
2-17     Legislature hereby recognize the 126th reunion of the Houston Light
2-18     Guard and extend best wishes to the members of this elite group;
2-19     and, be it further
2-20           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-21     prepared for the Houston Light Guard as an expression of highest
2-22     regard by the Texas House of Representatives.