R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, On April 21, 2001, the battleship Texas marks its 1-2 53rd year as the flagship of the Texas Navy; and 1-3 WHEREAS, The battleship Texas was commissioned in 1914 and 1-4 ably served during both World War I and World War II and saw action 1-5 around the world; currently berthed at the San Jacinto 1-6 Battleground, it was designated as the flagship of the Texas Navy 1-7 on April 21, 1948; and 1-8 WHEREAS, In its many campaigns, the battleship suffered only 1-9 one combat casualty, which would earn it the nickname "The Lucky 1-10 Ship"; it was also a ship of firsts, as it was the first battleship 1-11 to launch an airplane and the first to offer talking movies and was 1-12 one of the first to use radar in the Atlantic; and 1-13 WHEREAS, Today the battleship is designated a National 1-14 Historic Museum and is in the care of the Texas Parks and Wildlife 1-15 Department and the Battleship Texas Foundation; composed of retired 1-16 military leaders, business and civic leaders, and community 1-17 volunteers, the foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to 1-18 promoting the educational value and historical significance of the 1-19 ship; and 1-20 WHEREAS, To this end, the Battleship Texas Foundation has 1-21 solicited funding for restoration and enhancements to the 1-22 battleship, as well as for the establishment of the Youth Overnight 1-23 Program, which serves organized youth groups from across the Lone 1-24 Star State; and 2-1 WHEREAS, The battleship Texas remains a shining symbol of 2-2 freedom, and it is indeed appropriate to commend all those who 2-3 strive to preserve and celebrate this Texas treasure; now, 2-4 therefore, be it 2-5 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas 2-6 Legislature hereby commemorate the 53rd anniversary of the 2-7 battleship Texas as the flagship of the Texas Navy and extend to 2-8 the Battleship Texas Foundation best wishes for continued success 2-9 with this worthwhile endeavor. Talton _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 658 was adopted by the House on April 17, 2001, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House