HOUSE MEMORIAL 59

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2018

INTRODUCED BY

Bob Wooley and Randal S. Crowder

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING JANUARY 31, 2018 "MILITARY AND VETERANS' DAY" IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

     WHEREAS, New Mexico has a long and proud history of military service by its residents, a service that dates back hundreds of years before statehood, when indigenous New Mexicans resisted the advancement of European settlers in the area; and

     WHEREAS, this commitment to serving and protecting New Mexico and the nation has continued as members of the national guard and military reserves of New Mexico and other residents have answered the call to arms to serve in World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict, the Cold War, the Vietnam conflict, the Gulf War, Bosnia, the global war on terrorism and in peacetime eras between those wars and conflicts; and

     WHEREAS, the Vietnam veterans memorial in Angel Fire was created in memory of Marine First Lieutenant David Westphall to honor all Vietnam-era veterans; and

     WHEREAS, the Angel Fire memorial was the nation's first Vietnam conflict memorial and was the inspiration for the creation of the national Vietnam veterans memorial in Washington, D.C.; and

     WHEREAS, this year marks the fiftieth anniversary of David Westphall being killed in ambush in Vietnam; and

     WHEREAS, living in a free country, New Mexicans realize that this freedom does not come without a cost; and

     WHEREAS, freedom has been fought for by current service members and veterans;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that January 31, 2018 be declared "Military and Veterans' Day" in the house of representatives and that gratitude be extended to New Mexico's current and former military service members for their service and sacrifices for their country; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the department of military affairs and to the veterans' services department.

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