WHEREAS, The Washington State Legislature recognizes and honors the contributions of individuals who exhibit the standards of excellence that advance the well-being and quality of lives of all citizens of the State of Washington; and
     WHEREAS, Ernest Ignacio Jose "Ernie" Aguilar, born on March 19, 1919, in Mexico City, has set the highest standards of public service through the unselfish and tireless dedication of his time, talent, resources, and skills during his entire lifetime towards the advancement of the Hispanic community and all citizens of Washington State; and
     WHEREAS, Ernie Aguilar and his wife of forty-five years, Tina, a school district board member from Sumner, Washington, are proud parents of six children, four grandchildren, and two great grandsons; and
     WHEREAS, Ernie and Tina Aguilar's son Michael was the first Latino born in Washington State to graduate from West Point, and later unselfishly gave his life in the line of duty in a military training maneuver; and
     WHEREAS, Ernie and Tina's son Kenny has achieved international recognition as the former Director of Personnel for NASA; and
     WHEREAS, Ernie Aguilar and his sons have continued a proud and patriotic family tradition of service to the United States first established by Ernie's father who, even though a Mexican citizen, fought under the United States flag during the first World War and courageously served and died from the effects of being gassed during his service; and
     WHEREAS, Ernie Aguilar proudly served this country and was a decorated veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War; and
     WHEREAS, Ernie Aguilar, as a tireless public servant and true visionary of the community, was instrumental in the creation of the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs and was a member of its first governing board; and
     WHEREAS, Ernie Aguilar was a founding member and is now Chairman Emeritus of the Washington State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, which promotes the self-determination and economic development of the State's Hispanic community; and
     WHEREAS, Ernie Aguilar was one of the original founders and the first Chair of the Board of the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic in Toppenish, Washington, which has improved access to medical care for all people in the community; and
     WHEREAS, Ernie Aguilar has demonstrated a selfless commitment to higher education with the creation of the Ernie Aguilar Scholarship Fund that has been established at the University of Washington's Foster School of Business for Latino students who are pursuing their Masters in Business Administration; and
     WHEREAS, Ernie Aguilar's international leadership achievements and dedication to the advancement of the Mexican and the Mexican-American communities were acknowledged by the President of Mexico when he was awarded the Ohtli Medal, Mexico's highest civilian honor;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the State of Washington urge all citizens of the State of Washington to join us in congratulating and recognizing Ernie Aguilar for his unique and courageous vision, tireless public service, and legacy of accomplishments on behalf of Hispanics and all citizens of the State of Washington; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the family of Ernie Aguilar, the Consul General of Mexico, the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs, the Washington Latino Advocacy and Leadership Institute, and the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington.