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