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78R17296 KMP-F

By:  Corte                                                      H.C.R. No. 261



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, This Memorial Day, the Texas Legislature and 
citizens across America pause to honor those whose patriotism 
called them to active duty in our nation's armed forces, and we also 
join in solemn remembrance of those Texans who have been killed 
during Operation Iraqi Freedom; and
	WHEREAS, The date we now know as Memorial Day was first 
observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed with reverence on 
the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers; exactly one century 
later, the United States Congress declared the last Monday in May to 
be Memorial Day; and
	WHEREAS, Throughout our nation's history, Texas servicemen 
and servicewomen have distinguished themselves as individuals of 
remarkable courage, dedication, and determination; today we are 
proud to honor the men and women from our state, as well as those 
posted to military bases within our state, who have left behind 
their loved ones and the comfort and security of their homes to heed 
our country's call to arms; during the Iraqi campaign, the members 
of the 78th Legislature have felt deep sorrow as a number of our 
fellow Texans have laid down their lives during the course of 
serving our country; and
	WHEREAS, To date the United States Department of Defense has 
confirmed the deaths of more than 140 American soldiers and airmen 
who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, including at least two dozen 
individuals with immediate ties to Texas; and
	WHEREAS, Our state and our nation are fortunate to have men 
and women whose love of their country leads them to military 
service, yet the death of these heroic Texans is a sobering reminder 
that armed conflict is not without great and terrible cost; their 
deaths represent a tremendous loss to their families, friends, 
fellow soldiers, and the State of Texas, and their sacrifice in the 
meritorious service of our nation will not soon be forgotten; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby pay special tribute to the memory of those Texans who died 
while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and those who came before 
them for their steadfast devotion to securing those freedoms all 
Americans hold dear; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That the Texas Legislature also express its 
heartfelt appreciation to all the brave men and women who have 
served, and who currently serve, in the United States armed forces.