HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 24

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2010

INTRODUCED BY

Thomas A. Anderson

FOR THE MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

A JOINT MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING AND ACKNOWLEDGING THE UNITED STATES NAVY FOR THE HONOR BEING BESTOWED UPON THE STATE BY THE COMMISSIONING OF THE USS NEW MEXICO SUBMARINE.

     WHEREAS, the USS New Mexico submarine has been christened and is now waterborne in Norfolk, Virginia; and

     WHEREAS, this submarine will be commissioned by the United States navy at Norfolk, Virginia, in a significant event early in 2010; and

     WHEREAS, the commissioning of this submarine honors the legacy of the battleship USS New Mexico BB-40, which was in commission from 1918 to 1946, and serves as a salute to all who served on that great battleship; and

     WHEREAS, the naming of a submarine as the USS New Mexico is the culmination of a five-year pursuit by many dedicated New Mexicans; and 

     WHEREAS, a contest was held to design the crest for the submarine, and Emilee Sena, a New Mexico high school senior, designed the winning entry that is now being used on all emblems representing the submarine; and

     WHEREAS, this crest represents the beauty, valor and traditions that make New Mexico the "Land of Enchantment", with the Sandia mountains pictured at sunset; with red in the upper-right corner symbolizing the blood that has been shed to protect the United States; with blue in the lower-left corner symbolizing justice, vigilance and perseverance; with white naval dolphins representing purity and innocence; with gold in the border symbolizing courage, prosperity, wisdom and confidence; and with the Zia symbol and the shape of the crest representing the state flag and the prominence and

influence of the Native American people in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the naming and commissioning of this submarine as the USS New Mexico is a tribute to all New Mexicans who have served or are serving in the armed forces of the United States and is a tremendous honor to the state;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that recognition and acknowledgment be expressed to the United States navy for the honor being bestowed upon the state by the commissioning of the submarine USS New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the members of the New Mexico congressional delegation, the commander of the USS New Mexico and the governor.

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