TITLE: Recognizing June 6 and 7, 2024, as Eternal Heroes Memorial Days.

SUMMARY: Recognizing June 6 and 7, 2024, as Eternal Heroes Memorial Days.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, In June 1944, the members of the 101st Airborne Division demonstrated exceptional courage when their actions helped clear the way for the arrival of Allied forces on Normandy beaches during World War II; and WHEREAS, On June 5, more than 6,500 paratroopers of the 101st division spearheaded the start of the U.S. airborne assault on the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy, France; specifically, they carried out the mission of securing four causeways leading inland and neutralizing enemy resistance in advance of the amphibious landings by the U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division the next morning; and WHEREAS, Before dawn on June 6, the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division attacked and captured a German garrison headquarters site at Marmion Farm, on the outskirts of the Ravenoville village; under the direction of Major John P. Stopka, the regiment took control of the site, denying enemy movement against the northern shoulder of the 101st assault area and the critical exits at Utah Beach; the paratroopers held their posts until the early morning of June 7, when they were relieved by lead elements of the 4th Infantry Division; and WHEREAS, On June 6, 2012, the Eternal Heroes Memorial was dedicated in Ravenoville in honor of the "Raveno Boys," whose heroic stand contributed to the success of the Allied landings on Utah Beach and ultimately the D-Day invasion of Normandy; counted among the Raveno Boys were nine Texans: Ollie E. Barrington Jr. and George W. Blackburn of Harris County, Justo Correa of Dimmit County, Homer R. Estes of Stephens County, Leon Jackson of Hidalgo County, and James R. Kumler, Joel R. Lander, Worster M. Morgan, and Luther M. Tillery of Dallas County; and WHEREAS, The Raveno Boys displayed extraordinary bravery in the line of duty, and Americans owe a profound debt of gratitude to these paratroopers and to all members of the U.S. armed forces who so valiantly served during World War II; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby recognize June 6 and 7, 2024, as Eternal Heroes Memorial Days in honor of the Texas Raveno Boys. Hughes President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on November 16, 2023.