88S31189 CW-D
 
  By: Klick H.R. No. 114
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, U.S. Army veterans Stephen Lucas, Larry Leonard, and
  William Stevens rendered exceptional service to their country as
  guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National
  Cemetery in Virginia; and
         WHEREAS, A hallowed site of national mourning and
  remembrance, the tomb's marble monument has stood for more than a
  century in tribute to all missing and unknown American soldiers,
  and it is the final resting place for three service members from
  World War I, World War II, and the Korean War; U.S. Army soldiers
  were first assigned to guard the tomb in 1926, and since 1937, the
  site has been protected around the clock every day of the year; and
         WHEREAS, Stephen Lucas of Fort Worth, Larry Leonard of Haltom
  City, and William "Bill" Stevens of Cedar Hill were sentinels at the
  monument and are members of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of
  the Unknown Soldier; Mr. Lucas served at the site from September
  1975 through February 1977; he was awarded the Tomb of the Unknown
  Soldier Identification Badge, and on July 5, 1976, he was addressed
  by the Queen of England, who was present for a wreath-laying
  ceremony; he served for 22 years in the army, receiving the
  Meritorious Service Medal, the Drill Sergeant Identification
  Badge, and the National Defense Service Medal, and he retired as a
  sergeant first class; and
         WHEREAS, Mr. Leonard served as a tomb guard from June 1975
  through June 1979 and was awarded the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
  Identification Badge; he was a specialist with the 3rd U.S.
  Infantry Regiment from 1975 to 1980, and his military honors
  include the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service
  Medal, and the Meritorious Unit Award; and
         WHEREAS, From December 1967 through October 1968,
  Mr. Stevens was a tomb guard relief commander; he earned the Tomb
  Guard Badge and was assigned as a special guard to the gravesite of
  President John F. Kennedy at Arlington National Cemetery and as a
  special escort for Jacqueline Kennedy at Robert Kennedy's funeral
  procession to the cemetery in 1968; an army specialist from 1966 to
  1968, he received the Old Guard Certificate of Achievement, the
  National Defense Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal; and
         WHEREAS, Demonstrating the highest levels of discipline,
  stamina, and patriotism during their vigils at the Tomb of the
  Unknown Soldier, Stephen Lucas, Larry Leonard, and Bill Stevens
  honored the service and sacrifice of fallen U.S. soldiers, and they
  are indeed deserving of special recognition; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commend Stephen Lucas,
  Larry Leonard, and William Stevens for their contributions as
  guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and extend to them sincere
  appreciation for their distinguished service; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for Mr. Lucas, Mr. Leonard, and Mr. Stevens as an
  expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.