HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2000-4766, by Representatives D. Schmidt, Benson, Thomas, Bush, Morris, Carlson, G. Chandler, McDonald, Barlean, Talcott, Hatfield, Conway, Fortunato, Wensman, Dunn, Lovick, Koster, Regala, Esser and Stensen

       WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State Legislature to recognize excellence in service and contribution to the great state of Washington; and

       WHEREAS, Washington State veterans have demonstrated excellence in serving and contributing to the citizens of the great state of Washington by their principled and unsparing efforts on our behalf; and

       WHEREAS, Washington State veterans selflessly pledged their lives to defend the Stars and Stripes, the flag of these United States of America, and all that the flag represents - a constitutional, representative, democratic republic, the rule of law, free enterprise, family, and faith - fundamental values and ideals that make this country the greatest nation in the world; and

       WHEREAS, Washington State veterans proudly and boldly protected and promoted the blessings of Divine Providence, the unwavering strength of representative government, the radiant light of freedom, the resounding ring of justice, and the perennial promise of liberty for all; and

       WHEREAS, Washington State veterans as valiant and courageous American men and women serving in our Armed Forces guaranteed the things we hold dear even forfeiting the very breath of life itself in battles both far and near, in recent times and long ago; and

       WHEREAS, Washington State veterans generously provided the American Flags that are prominently installed and displayed alongside our State Flag in all public rooms and places of the legislature as a testament to the ideals it embodies and to honor the sacrifices that have ensured our legislative process wherein elected representatives doing the "People's work" may continue;

       NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the state of Washington honor all the veterans of Washington State and express gratitude to the Washington State Ex-POW's, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Northwest Chapter of The Chosen Few, Disabled American Veterans, Kitsap County Veterans Coalition, Retired Officers Association, Military Order of Purple Hearts, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Military Order of World Wars, American Merchant Marine Veterans and their respective members, for their sacrifices, for the example of inspiration they have set for others, and for providing the House of Representatives of the great state of Washington with American Flags; and

       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Co-Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives to each of the distinctive organizations indicated in this resolution.

       I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

       Resolution 4766 adopted by the House of Representatives

                           March 1, 2000.

________________________________       _____________________________

Timothy A. Martin, Co-Chief Clerk    Cynthia Zehnder, Co-Chief Clerk