SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1997-8604

By Senators Oke, Sheldon, Winsley, Roach, Zarelli, Prince, Horn, Schow, Hochstatter, Deccio, Long, Morton, Swecker, Stevens, Hale, Rossi, Sellar, Johnson and Hargrove

     WHEREAS, The Battleship U.S.S. Missouri (BB 63) is the solitary identifiable symbol of the end of World War II for both the servicemen and women who served overseas during that period and the millions of home front defense workers; and

     WHEREAS, This intrinsic historical vessel is presently moored on the mainland of the contiguous states of the union where the majority of veterans and home front defense workers and their descendants reside and are economically able to visit and observe the significance of the U.S.S. Missouri's involvement in ending the most important event of the 20th century; and

     WHEREAS, The youth of the United States of America, the future leaders of this republic, will learn from and appreciate the sacrifices for freedom which the U.S.S. Missouri represents; and

     WHEREAS, The Missouri on the Mainland Committee (MOM) has been duly organized and proposes that the Battleship U.S.S. Missouri (BB 63) be moored at a suitable location on the mainland to provide accessibility for the majority of the American public to savor a taste of freedom and their heritage;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate support the action and proposal of the Missouri on the Mainland Committee (MOM), and respectfully request that the joint houses of Congress of the United States of America enact appropriate legislation to retain the Battleship U.S.S. Missouri (BB 63) at a selected site on the mainland; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Honorable William J. Clinton, President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and each member of Congress from the State of Washington.