ENCOURAGING SCHOOL DISTRICTS THROUGHOUT THE STATE TO USE VETERANS' DAY FOR TEACHERS' IN-SERVICE TRAINING WHILE PROVIDING STUDENTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO CELEBRATE AND HONOR THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED IN THE MILITARY.

WHEREAS, millions of Americans have served in the United States military and hundreds of thousands have died while serving; and

WHEREAS, the elimination of the draft for military service has meant that fewer Americans have a family member who has been a member of the military; and

WHEREAS, November 11 is a legal public holiday in New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, students must often attend school on Veterans' day to ensure that the school year consists of at least one hundred eighty instructional days; and

WHEREAS, teachers receive technical assistance and professional development through in-service training; and

WHEREAS, permitting students to enjoy Veterans' day with family and friends can instill a renewed sense of patriotism as well as provide an educational opportunity to understand and recognize the contributions of this country's veterans;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the local school boards of the state be encouraged to have their respective school districts schedule in-service training on Veterans' day when it falls on a school day to allow students the opportunity to celebrate a day honoring those who have served in the military; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the local school boards of the state be encouraged, in the time leading up to Veterans' day, to have school districts provide educational information and activities that demonstrate the contributions of our country's veterans; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to all the local school boards of the state.