HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 99-4666, by Representatives Kessler, Parlette, Carlson, Fortunato, Esser, Hankins and Thomas

      WHEREAS, It is so very important that we sustain and commemorate all Americans whose lives and deeds helped write the history of our great nation; and

      WHEREAS, If we let fade from memory the lessons of the past, as the philosopher George Santayana warned, we are condemned to endure them yet again; and

      WHEREAS, An alliance of devoted citizens called Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, as dedicated and patriotic an organization as can possibly be imagined, tirelessly endeavors to preserve memorials to those who contended in a most punishing struggle for our country; and

      WHEREAS, Our state of Washington, though 25 years away from joining the Union at the time of the Civil War, is home to citizens whose ascendants were engaged in its battles; and

      WHEREAS, The federal government upward of a century ago bequeathed to the state of Washington sixteen cannon as a fitting and solemn tribute to the veterans of the Civil War; and

      WHEREAS, Many of these cannon were presented to Washington communities with the hope that they would establish Civil War memorials of their own; and

      WHEREAS, Citizen leaders in the city of Wenatchee recently reflected sound and allegiant reasoning in erecting a remarkable Cannon Memorial in their community's park; and

      WHEREAS, Washingtonians in other communities no doubt also grasp our responsibility to keep in heart and mind the memory of those who came before us; and

      WHEREAS, Other communities in our state would be well-advised to emulate the city of Wenatchee in preserving their own decorous hallmarks of commitment to the lives and times of Civil War veterans;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the State of Washington salute the work of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and encourage other Washington cities to follow the estimable example set so well by the people of Wenatchee; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted to Washington members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and to the Office of the Secretary of State for ready inspection by members of the public.

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

      Resolution 4666 adopted by the House of Representatives

                          April 15, 1999.

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Timothy A. Martin, Co-Chief Clerk    Dean R. Foster Co-Chief Clerk