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.