SENATE RESOLUTION

                             8656

By Senator Snyder

     WHEREAS, It is an honor for the Washington State Senate to recognize patriotism and loyalty to the United States of America; and

     WHEREAS, Loyalty Day was initiated by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and first proclaimed by former President Harry Truman in 1950; and

     WHEREAS, Long Beach, Washington, is the only city in the country that has organized Loyalty Day celebrations since its first observance in 1950; and

     WHEREAS, Loyalty Day activities in Long Beach include crowning Miss Loyalty, display of vintage airplanes, blessing of the fleet, U.S. Coast Guard fly over, guest speakers and a city parade; and

     WHEREAS, Throughout the year, Americans of all ages express their loyalty to our country through countless acts of patriotism and selflessness; and

     WHEREAS, During times of war, Americans have fought and died to defend our liberty and promote the ideals of democracy, and we remember in a special way those Americans who have given their lives in defense of this country and the principles for which it stands; and

     WHEREAS, We also pay tribute to our veterans and current members of the Armed Forces, and their bravery and desire to serve, which reflects great love for others and genuine loyalty to the United States; and

     WHEREAS, In times of peace, we have strived to preserve the rights secured to us in the Constitution and to ensure that every American enjoys the full protection of those rights; and

     WHEREAS, As citizens of this country, we formally acknowledge our faith in America and in this great democracy, and by honoring their oath to uphold and defend the Constitution, military personnel, elected officials and civil servants help to preserve our rich heritage of freedom; and

     WHEREAS, Students who recite the Pledge of Allegiance in school, as well as parents and educators who teach their children about the nation=s history and system of government, help to ensure this heritage is strengthened and renewed; and

     WHEREAS, We should have the courage not only to recognize our differences, but also to build on the dreams we share and on the values we hold in common, and to reaffirm our belief in freedom, equality, justice and opportunity for all people;

     NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate does hereby recognize the importance of loyalty and patriotism to residents throughout the state of Washington and elsewhere in the United States; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted immediately by the Secretary of the Senate to the Mayor of Long Beach, Washington.

I, Tony M. Cook, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 8656,

adopted by the Senate April 27, 2001.

TONY M. COOK

Secretary of the Senate