TITLE: Commending U.S. Army veterans Stephen Lucas, Larry Leonard, and William "Bill" Stevens for their distinguished service as guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

SUMMARY: Commending U.S. Army veterans Stephen Lucas, Larry Leonard, and William "Bill" Stevens for their distinguished service as guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, U.S. Army veterans Stephen Lucas, Larry Leonard, and William Stevens rendered exceptional service to their country as guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia; and WHEREAS, A hallowed site of national mourning and remembrance, the tomb's marble monument has stood for more than a century in tribute to all missing and unknown American soldiers, and it is the final resting place for three service members from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War; U.S. Army soldiers were first assigned to guard the tomb in 1926, and since 1937, the site has been protected around the clock every day of the year; and WHEREAS, Stephen Lucas of Fort Worth, Larry Leonard of Haltom City, and William "Bill" Stevens of Cedar Hill were sentinels at the monument and are members of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; Mr. Lucas served at the site from September 1975 through February 1977; he was awarded the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge, and on July 5, 1976, he was addressed by the Queen of England, who was present for a wreath-laying ceremony; he served for 22 years in the army, receiving the Meritorious Service Medal, the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, and the National Defense Service Medal, and he retired as a sergeant first class; and WHEREAS, Mr. Leonard served as a tomb guard from June 1975 through June 1979 and was awarded the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge; he was a specialist with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment from 1975 to 1980, and his military honors include the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Meritorious Unit Award; and WHEREAS, From December 1967 through October 1968, Mr. Stevens was a tomb guard relief commander; he earned the Tomb Guard Badge and was assigned as a special guard to the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy at Arlington National Cemetery and as a special escort for Jacqueline Kennedy at Robert Kennedy's funeral procession to the cemetery in 1968; an army specialist from 1966 to 1968, he received the Old Guard Certificate of Achievement, the National Defense Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal; and WHEREAS, Demonstrating the highest levels of discipline, stamina, and patriotism during their vigils at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Stephen Lucas, Larry Leonard, and Bill Stevens honored the service and sacrifice of fallen U.S. soldiers, and they are indeed deserving of special recognition; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commend Stephen Lucas, Larry Leonard, and William Stevens for their contributions as guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and extend to them sincere appreciation for their distinguished service; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Lucas, Mr. Leonard, and Mr. Stevens as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Klick Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 114 was adopted by the House on November 1, 2023, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House