SR-26, As Adopted by Senate, March 16, 2011

Senators Bieda, Marleau, Anderson, Gregory, Emmons, Jansen, Pappageorge, Caswell, Colbeck, Hunter, Whitmer, Kowall, Young, Smith, Hood, Gleason, Hopgood, Warren, Pavlov, Proos, Hildenbrand, Moolenaar, Walker and Casperson offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 26.

            A resolution to recognize and honor all American service personnel who honorably served our country during World War I.

            Whereas, The passing of the last known surviving American World War I veteran, Frank Buckles from Charles Town, West Virginia, marks the end of an era, and it is appropriate that we take notice of the sacrifices of the World War I generation; and

            Whereas, On April 16, 1917, United States President Woodrow Wilson ended the policy of absolute neutrality and entered World War I, known as the war to end all wars; and

            Whereas, Between the years of 1917 and 1918, roughly 2 million Americans volunteered for the United States Army, and 3 million were drafted, totaling approximately 5 million valiant service personnel; and

            Whereas, Approximately 175,000 of those who served in the armed forces during the war were Michigan residents; and

            Whereas, The overall American soldier casualties from World War I totaled near 116,516; of which 5,000 were soldiers from Michigan.  Additionally, approximately 15,000 Michigan soldiers were wounded; and

            Whereas, While the individuals who have served in World War I came from a wide variety of backgrounds and interests, there was an undeniable, lifelong bond; and

            Whereas, All American service personnel can look back on this distinguished history and take pride in their contributions; and

            Whereas, It is with great pride and gratitude that we welcome this opportunity to salute these stalwart citizens for the many ways, both large and small, in which they have given of their time and energies to help whenever the need arose; and

Whereas, Our communities could not have functioned without the dedicated individuals who were willing to devote their lives to public service; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby posthumously honor all American service personnel of the World War I era who gave strength to our nation in countless ways; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and the Michigan Historical Museum.