Travis County Commissioners Court
Tuesday, May 24, 2011 (Agenda)
Item 3
>> number 3, approve resolution urging all citizens to recognize memorial day.
should I read it?
>> please.
>> it reads: whereas we continue to honor more than 1.2 million american service members who have died in wars since the colonial soldiers looked -- took up arms in 1775.
patriots who not just serve their country but their comrades as well, leaving behind widows, width-ers, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and children to carry heavy burdens reminded every day of their loss but comforted and inspired by stories of american heroism and sacrifice.
whereas we owe a immeasurable debt to those we salute on this memorial day and honor those brave service men and women who have died in afghanistan and iraq, whose ultimate sacrifice and the sacrifices of those who came in generations before have renewed the faith and courage of this great nation, in our principles of democracy.
whereas it is important that all residents of Travis County understand and appreciate the sacrifices and pause to reflect, remember and give thanks to our many veterans and their families.
whereas we join friends and families mourning the loss of loved ones and fellow comrades, paying particular attention to the gold star mothers, blue star mothers and silver star families and our gratitude extends to hose who exhibited the same kind of exercise and duty and whereas the Travis County veterans service office, vets helping vets, is committed to dedicated -- and dedicated to serving one veteran at a time and it is our obligation and great honor to serve them with the dedication and commitment with which they have served us.
now therefore be it resolved that we the Travis County Commissioners court do hereby proclaim may 30th, 2011, as memorial day in Travis County and call upon the citizens of Travis County to observe memorial day beginning may 23rd, that's yesterday, through may 31, 2011, with appropriate programs and activities focusing on the achievements of those who have served this great nation, showing appreciation for their service with the understanding no words can adequately express the gratitude and pride we hold for these brave and women who give us hope for the future.
and a deep appreciation of our past, and I move approval.
>> second.
>> can we have the shorter one next year?
>> [laughter] mr. Pope.
>> bring it down to about two or three.
>> thank you, judge, and good morning Commissioners.
I would like to bring close attention to the whereas part to identifying the men and women who died not just for their country but for the congress that they serve besides.
I think they are so important for us to understand that they are out there on the battlefield defending each other also, not only defending the country, but defending each other to bring each one back home as many as they can.
and I want to bring note to that, that particular paragraph.
I also extend an invitation to the Commissioners court to participate in any type of activities that you may have some already aligned for the memorial day.
I do have a list of activities that I will be posting soon.
and also extend an invitation to all of the veterans and the survivors in the audience to participate in memorial day on -- on Monday.
not only are we going to memorialize or remember the individuals from the war, but I just want to take the opportunity to say that my heart is very heavy for the individuals in joplin, missouri.
over 116 plus, you know, that have perished during their tornado, and I feel strongly that they will be participating in memorial day services in the upcoming week.
what I have -- who I have with me here is larry kinard.
he is the district commander for district 28.
this is the organization that is putting on the cook walledden memorial services on Monday.
larry.
>> good morning.
>> good morning.
>> Commissioners, on behalf of the Texas department of veterans of foreign wars of the united states, district 28, it is my distinct pleasure to be here this morning for the reading of a resolution.
memorial day is our opportunity to celebrate and honor the many men and women of our military who died while protecting our nation.
so that is something to really keep in mind as we celebrate this very somber occasion.
it's the sacrifice that these young men and women gave for this nation.
so thank you very much.
>> thank you.
>> thank you.
>> thank you.
we appreciate both of you.
comments?
>> it's a beautiful ceremony you all put on at cook balancedden.
>> thank you very much, and hope to see some of you there.
>> members of the public can access that list through the county website?
>> it's not finalized just yet, but it will be up.
>> contact your office or a member of the Commissioners court, we'll be happy to share it with them, right?
>> all right, sir.
>> all in favor?
>> judge, I just had some comments.
how would the public get in touch with you during the week to understand -- there are a lot of activities going on, stuff like that.
do you have a telephone number where someone could maybe get some kind of guidance during this --
>> yes, Commissioner.
>> thank you.
>> I have a large email posting that I send out to the individuals within the neighborhood and the Travis County veterans organization.
but if you are not on that list, you can contact me at my office and I'll add you to that list.
but the phone number at the office is 854-9340.
keep in mind we're closed from 12:00 to 1:00 for lunch.
>> thank you.
>> all in favor?
that passes by unanimous vote.
one of these days maybe you can get the court to give you a plaque instead of this resolution.
keep up the good work.
mr. Manila, if you are nearby, we need you now.
The Closed Caption log for this Commissioners Court agenda item is provided by Travis County Internet Services. Since this file is derived from the Closed Captions created during live cablecasts, there are occasional spelling and grammatical errors. This Closed Caption log is not an official record the Commissioners Court Meeting and cannot be relied on for official purposes. For official records please contact the County Clerk at (512) 854-4722.
