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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 306
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WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pleasure in |
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recognizing the members of the United States Navy Armed Guard for |
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their distinguished service and lasting commitment to the ideals |
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of this nation; and |
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WHEREAS, This unique branch of the United States Navy |
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played a vital role in protecting American interests during World |
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War II; its members were responsible for defending United States |
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and Allied merchant ships from attack by enemy aircraft, |
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submarines, and surface ships; and |
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WHEREAS, The servicemen of the United States Navy Armed |
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Guard were gunners, signal men, and radio operators on cargo |
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ships, tankers, troop ships, and other vessels; without their |
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contributions, victory in World War II would most certainly have |
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been more difficult and would have taken much longer to achieve; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, First established during World War I, when some |
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384 American merchant vessels carried guns and Navy personnel, |
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the Navy Armed Guard was revived for the second World War; in the |
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latter conflict, a total of 144,970 enlisted men and officers |
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served in the Navy Armed Guard; and |
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WHEREAS, These commendable patriots sailed on 6,236 |
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merchant ships and other Allied vessels; more than 700 of those |
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ships were sunk and many more were damaged; Armed Guard |
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casualties number at least 1,810 killed or missing in action and |
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many more wounded; this casualty rate equals that of any other |
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branch of the Armed Forces during World War II; and |
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WHEREAS, Texas members of this remarkable group have |
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gathered regularly for reunions since 1981; this year, 10 |
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veterans will gather in College Station on March 1 and 2 to |
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remember their service with pride and to reinforce the |
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unbreakable friendships they have formed over the years; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, |
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83rd Legislature, hereby honor the members of the United States |
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Navy Armed Guard for their immeasurable service to this country |
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and extend to them sincere best wishes on the occasion of their |
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reunion; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for |
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them as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. |
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Schwertner |
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President of the Senate |
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I hereby certify that the |
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above Resolution was adopted by |
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the Senate on February 25, 2013. |
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________________________________ |
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Secretary of the Senate |
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Member, Texas Senate |