TITLE: Commending Gainesville on its Medal of Honor Host City Program.

SUMMARY: Commending Gainesville on its Medal of Honor Host City Program.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Each year, Gainesville hosts the nation's Medal of Honor recipients in an event designed to recognize and thank those courageous Americans who have served so valiantly in the United States armed forces; and WHEREAS, Established in 2001 with a goal of providing local residents a personal connection with American history, the military, and veterans, Gainesville's Medal of Honor Host City Program pays tribute to those who have achieved the highest military distinction in the country; Gainesville citizens join together to fund the travel costs and expenses and to welcome their guests during several days of events; and WHEREAS, This program provides a unique opportunity for Gainesville residents of all ages to meet and talk to national heroes and to draw inspiration from their motivating acts of patriotism; the only such event of its kind in the nation, the Medal of Honor Host City Program encourages people to come back to Gainesville year after year and continues to grow as new medal recipients are invited; because of this and other displays of national pride, USA Today and Rand McNally recognized Gainesville as the most patriotic small town in the United States; and WHEREAS, From April 10 to April 13, 2013, Gainesville residents are again volunteering their time and resources to demonstrate their deep appreciation for those brave service members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, and this excellent example of patriotism is truly deserving of the highest praise; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby commend Gainesville on its outstanding Medal of Honor Host City Program and extend to all those associated with the program sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the city of Gainesville as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Springer Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 787 was adopted by the House on March 19, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House