WHEREAS, Washington State is blessed with the majestic and impressive Cascade Mountains and Olympic Mountains, and these natural features help define Washington's character and are a part of its heritage; and
     WHEREAS, Ed Viesturs moved to Washington over three decades ago to live among the state's great peaks and began his climbing career as a guide on Mount Rainier, reaching its summit over 200 times; and
     WHEREAS, Ed Viesturs has taken the skills and lessons he learned on the slopes of Washington's mountains to the world's highest mountain, summiting Mount Everest for the seventh time on May 19, 2009; and
     WHEREAS, Ed Viesturs became the first American to reach the summits of all fourteen of the world's 8,000-meter mountains on Annapurna on May 12, 2005, and only the fifth person in the world to accomplish this amazing feat without bottled oxygen; and
     WHEREAS, Ed Viesturs' actions have proven time and again that he lives by high ideals even in high places, adhering to his famous creed that reaching the summit is optional but coming home isn't, and sacrificing his own plans to come to the aid of stricken climbers; and
     WHEREAS, Ed Viesturs shares his experiences with organizations and audiences around this state and around the world, inspiring others to strive for more and emphasizing that there is truly no shortcut to the top and that planning and teamwork are the foundations of success;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate commend Ed Viesturs for his outstanding accomplishments as America's most accomplished Himalayan climber and for his contributions to the sport of climbing, especially in safety and awareness, and for his dedication to promoting high ideals and excellence in his community; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Ed Viesturs.