SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 483

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Don Graves on the grand occasion of his 100th birthday; and

WHEREAS, Born in Detroit on May 3, 1925, this distinguished military veteran served the nation honorably during World War II as a member of the United States Marine Corps; he is noted for his warmth and generosity, his unwavering faith, and his dedication to duty, and he is a respected and admired citizen of Fort Worth; and

WHEREAS, Inspired to serve his country by President Roosevelt's speech in 1941 following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps upon reaching the age of 17; he was trained as a flamethrower operator and valiantly defended the Allied Forces on the front lines of the historic Battle of Iwo Jima, and he concluded his military service with the rank of corporal in 1946; and

WHEREAS, Don followed through on the prayer he made on the beach of Iwo Jima, and after the war's end and his return to civilian life, he began attending worship services and studying the Bible; he found great fulfillment in this pursuit, and he went on to study theology and became a minister in the 1970s; he faithfully served as a minister for 32 years, and he has continued to serve others by sharing his story and his faith as a speaker and guest at numerous events and gatherings; and

WHEREAS, Don was joined in devoted marriage with Rebecca Graves, his beloved late wife, and they were blessed with 70 years together; she wasasourceofencouragementandsupportto him throughout his ministry and in all things, and they were blessed with children who enriched their lives immeasurably; and

WHEREAS, Don Graves has witnessed many remarkable and historic events over the course of his lifetime, and there is much to be learned from the wisdom he has gained over the years; he is now celebrating his 100th year of life, and the achievement of this extraordinary milestone is indeed an occasion for much rejoicing among all who have been privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby recognize Don Graves as a treasured citizen of the Lone Star State and extend to him sincere gratitude for his sacrifice and patriotic service and best wishes on the occasion of his 100th birthday; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as a memento of this special day.

Hancock

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 5, 2025.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate