79R4532 MMS-D

By:  Dawson                                                       H.R. No. 290



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Kenneth Thames of Bay City has been named as the 2004 
Man of the Year by the Bay City Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture 
in recognition of his exceptional service to his fellow citizens; 
and
	WHEREAS, Born and raised in Bay City, Mr. Thames has long 
worked without fanfare to foster patriotism and an appreciation of 
the tremendous sacrifices made by military veterans and their 
families; and
	WHEREAS, A former member of the military himself, Mr. Thames 
served in the Vietnam War and has lived abroad in several countries; 
he belongs to a number of local organizations and is widely known 
and esteemed for doing the many essential tasks that often go 
unheralded but that add immeasurably to the special spirit of a 
community; and
	WHEREAS, The senior vice commander and post historian for 
Philip H. Parker VFW Post 2438, he has devoted many hours to 
rebuilding that organization's archives and exhibits since the post 
building was damaged in a fire several years ago; moreover, he has 
provided furniture for the new post quarters and hung flags, 
pictures, and posters there to make it a comfortable, inviting 
home; and
	WHEREAS, His work has provided the basis for several books 
about veterans buried in Matagorda County, together with a military 
discharge index; other projects to which he has given his time and 
efforts include putting out flags and luminarias on Memorial Day, 
remembering POWs and MIAs, honoring both living and deceased 
veterans, paying tribute to Gold Star Mothers, and presenting 
programs about the U.S. flag to students and to members of various 
groups, as well as directing the folding of the flag at the 
graveside of veterans; and
	WHEREAS, The residents of Bay City have benefited greatly 
from this gentleman's exemplary contributions, and it is a pleasure 
to join in honoring him at this time; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby congratulate Kenneth Thames on his selection as 
2004 Man of the Year by the Bay City Chamber of Commerce and 
Agriculture and extend to him sincere appreciation for his 
outstanding civic efforts; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mr. Thames as an expression of high regard by the Texas 
House of Representatives.