R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives proudly joins
 1-2     citizens across America in observing our national holiday, Memorial
 1-3     Day, on Monday, May 31, 1999; and
 1-4           WHEREAS, Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day
 1-5     and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on
 1-6     the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers; in 1968, Congress
 1-7     designated the last Monday in May as Memorial Day; and
 1-8           WHEREAS, On Memorial Day, we pay homage to those who lost
 1-9     their lives fighting for our nation, for it is due to their courage
1-10     and sacrifice that today our nation is free and prosperous; and
1-11           WHEREAS, The promise of freedom was articulated by our
1-12     Declaration of Independence and made real by the American
1-13     Revolution, and the promise of democracy was preserved by the
1-14     hundreds of thousands of Americans who fought and died in World War
1-15     I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf; and
1-16           WHEREAS, The men and women who died for our country gave
1-17     their lives to safeguard our future, and Memorial Day is an
1-18     opportunity for American citizens to pay tribute to them for their
1-19     heroism; and
1-20           WHEREAS, This special day is also an opportunity for
1-21     Americans everywhere to express their heartfelt gratitude to the
1-22     United States veterans, both living and dead, for the valor and
1-23     dedication they have shown on behalf of our beloved country; today,
1-24     there are more than two million veterans living in Texas, the
 2-1     second largest community of veterans in the nation; and
 2-2           WHEREAS, Proud of being Americans and ever mindful of the
 2-3     duties and responsibilities inherent in good citizenship, the men
 2-4     and women of our armed services deserve praise for their loyal
 2-5     defense of our country and its ideals; and
 2-6           WHEREAS, Those who died for their country have left behind
 2-7     legacies of courage and devotion for generations of American
 2-8     citizens and memories that will be treasured forever in the hearts
 2-9     and minds of all who knew them; and
2-10           WHEREAS, It is a grateful nation today that reflects on our
2-11     American heritage and recognizes the extreme sacrifices made by all
2-12     who serve in the armed forces; now, therefore, be it
2-13           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
2-14     Legislature hereby express appreciation to all the brave men and
2-15     women who have served our country and honor the memory of those who
2-16     died on its behalf.
                                                                      Hunter
                                             _______________________________
                                                   Speaker of the House
               I certify that H.R. No. 1349 was adopted by the House on May
         30, 1999, by a non-record vote.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House