SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 231

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Burnett Louis "Burnie" Sutter, an esteemed World War II veteran, on the grand occasion of his 100th birthday on April 7, 2021; and

WHEREAS, A native of Muscatine, Iowa, Burnie Sutter was born on April 7, 1921, and he left school at the age of 11 to help manage his family's farm after his father passed away; and

WHEREAS, On March 19, 1943, Burnie married Rozetta Royster, and three days later, he was inducted into the United States Army; he served with distinction in the 90th Infantry Division under General George S. Patton during the Normandy landings; he was a machine gunner in the 358th M Company, in many major battles throughout France and Germany that helped to turn the tide of the German occupation of France; and

WHEREAS, On April 18, 1945, he was among the first 50 American soldiers to enter Czechoslovakia, and he was a member of the unit responsible for the liberation of the Flossenburg concentration camp; he was discharged with the rank of sergeant from military service in October of 1945 and was awarded numerous commendations for his bravery in combat; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Sutter returned from the war and joined his wife and his 11-month-old daughter, Sandra, in Moline, Illinois; he went on to forge a successful career working for his brother-in-law in the family's tire sales and recap company; Burnie regularly attended the annual reunion of his fellow 90th Infantry Division members, and in 2018, he was presented with the French government's highest military service award, the French Legion of Honor medal, for his part in liberating France from the Nazis; and

WHEREAS, After his retirement, Burnie and Rozetta enjoyed traveling together, and he played an integral role in the building of their new church; today, he resides in Frisco, and he cherishes time spent with his daughter, Sandra, her husband, Bill, and his three accomplished grandchildren and eight beautiful great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Burnie Sutter served his nation courageously, and throughout his life, he has met both challenges and opportunities with strength and virtue; he has witnessed and experienced historic events that most people only read about in history books, and there is much to be learned from the wisdom he has gained; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, hereby recognize Burnett Louis "Burnie" Sutter as a treasured Texas citizen and extend to him congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of his 100th birthday; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in his honor.

Nelson

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 8, 2021.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate