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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Felix Lugo of Houston demonstrated great patriotism |
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and determination during his participation in the 2013 Gusher |
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Marathon in Beaumont, running the entire 26.2-mile race carrying |
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the American flag; and |
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WHEREAS, A running coach and avid long-distance enthusiast, |
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Mr. Lugo has competed in a total of 50 marathons, and in 27 of the |
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events he has proudly held the Stars and Stripes aloft while |
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completing the route; he began this practice in January 2002 to show |
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support for his country following the 9/11 terrorist attacks; this |
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army veteran hails from a family with a proud history of military |
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service, and his father's harrowing recollections of combat during |
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the Korean War were another factor that convinced Mr. Lugo to begin |
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flying Old Glory in his races; and |
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WHEREAS, Despite being a skilled athlete, Mr. Lugo faces |
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challenging physical demands as part of this undertaking; the |
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flag's weight and wind resistance make a difficult race even |
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tougher, and that was particularly true in the Gusher Marathon; |
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struggling against winds that gusted up to 25 miles per hour, he was |
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forced to drop to the back of the race field; the exhausting |
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conditions made him consider quitting, but he persevered; and |
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WHEREAS, After six hours of running, Mr. Lugo still had |
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several miles to go, but officials agreed to keep the course open |
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while he covered the final distance; as he approached the finish |
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line, he was greeted by the inspiring sight of additional American |
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flags being flown by members of the Patriot Guard Riders; the |
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motorcycle group had waited patiently to honor him for his actions, |
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and its members presented him with a certificate and a |
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commemorative coin after the race was completed; and |
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WHEREAS, Mr. Lugo has also received heartfelt expressions of |
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support in other events he has taken part in, with spectators |
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enthusiastically cheering him on as he passes; in addition, other |
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runners frequently offer to help him carry the flag, but in most |
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cases he declines, believing it to be his personal mission to |
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complete the race with the banner in hand; he is aided in his task by |
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his loving wife, Sylvia, who provides him with water, other |
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supplies, and encouragement every step of the way; and |
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WHEREAS, The final results of the 2013 Gusher Marathon show |
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that Felix Lugo was the last runner to finish the race, but the |
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remarkable dedication that he demonstrated while paying tribute to |
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this nation's military service members has defined him as nothing |
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less than a true champion; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas |
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Legislature hereby honor Felix Lugo for his inspiring performance |
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in the 2013 Gusher Marathon and commend him for his efforts to honor |
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current and former members of the armed forces; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Mr. Lugo as an expression of high regard by the Texas |
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House of Representatives. |