SENATE RESOLUTION 35

(By Senators Weld, Smith, Phillips, Deeds, Queen, Caputo, and Taylor)

[Introduced February 17, 2023]

Recognizing The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Solider.

Whereas, The mission of the Society of the Honor Guard is to: Honor the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; educate the citizenry of the United States of America of the service and sacrifice of the Unknown Soldiers, and the duty performed by the active Tomb Guards, while perpetuating the memory of former Tomb Guards; recognize past and present Tomb Guards who demonstrate exemplary service at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; protect, uphold, preserve and keep safe from exploitation, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge (TGIB); maintain and conduct an organization that will further develop the camaraderie and common bond existing among those who served with, and shoulder to shoulder besides, the Tomb Guards, and their families; preserve and maintain records and publish the history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; authenticate and recognize the achievements of the Tomb Guards; and support the soldiers actively serving in the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; and

Whereas, The goal of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is to make certain that the individuals that made the ultimate sacrifice of their life for our freedom are not forgotten, and that the general public understands this price of freedom; and

Whereas, The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is intended to represent more than just a single conflict, serving as a focal point for the United States regardless of race, creed, religion, or politics where the people of the United States can come together as a single Nation to mourn, and honor fallen soldiers from the United States; and

Whereas, The United States Army has provided Sentinels at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier since March 25, 1926, and maintained a constant 24-hour vigil since midnight July 2, 1937; and

Whereas, The Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are responsible for maintaining the highest standards of the military of the United States while keeping a constant vigil at this national shrine, and have a special duty to prevent any desecration or disrespect directed towards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate recognizes The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Solider; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate encourages all West Virginians to raise awareness of, and respect for the national heritage of the United States and dedicate themselves to the values and principles for which those heroes of the United States died; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate encourages all West Virginians to remember and renew the legacy of Veterans Day, which was established to pay tribute to individuals who have served and sacrificed on behalf of the United States in times of war or armed conflict, and their families; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is directed to forward a copy of this resolution to The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Solider.