44TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 1999

REQUESTING THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION TO REQUIRE MIDDLE SCHOOLS TO TEACH THE HISTORY OF WORLD WAR II.

WHEREAS, World War II marks a time in recent history when many Americans, including many New Mexicans, were called to serve their country; and

WHEREAS, World War II veterans made incredible sacrifices while they served abroad in both Europe and the South Pacific, not only by risking life and limb but also by being away from their families and friends; and

WHEREAS, many students are unaware of the great contributions and the acts of bravery that many World War II veterans made in the line of duty, both in active combat and in performing other duties; and

WHEREAS, Navajo New Mexicans used their special skills to contribute toward winning World War II by serving as Navajo code talkers; and

WHEREAS, World War II prisoners of war held on the Bataan peninsula in the Philippines were marched by the Japanese for approximately sixty-five miles and many of them, including many New Mexicans, died of disease and starvation;

WHEREAS, New Mexican World War II veterans could serve as valuable resources about the realities and horrors of war to students in the public schools;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state department of public education teach the history of World War II in middle schools throughout the state; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that World War II veterans be invited to classes in middle schools throughout the state to share their experiences with students; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month be set aside in the public schools to commemorate the contribution that World War II veterans made to the United States of America and to raise the level of appreciation that students have toward World War II veterans; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the superintendent of public instruction and to the legislative education study committee.