Washington State House Resolution No. 99-4666

by Representatives Kessler and Parlette

Read and adopted 15 Apr 99.

WHEREAS, It is so very important that we sustain and commemorate all Americans whose lives and deeds helped write the history of our great nation; and

WHEREAS, If we let fade from memory the lessons of the past, as the philosopher George Santayana warned, we are condemned to endure them yet again; and

WHEREAS, An alliance of devoted citizens called Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, as dedicated and patriotic an organization as can possibly be imagined, tirelessly endeavors to preserve memorials to those who contended in a most punishing struggle for our country; and

WHEREAS, Our state of Washington, through 25 years away from joining the Union at the time of the Civil War, is home to citizens whose ascendants were engaged in its battles; and

WHEREAS, The federal government upward of a century ago bequeathed to the state of Washington sixteen cannon as a fitting and solemn tribute to the veterans of the Civil War; and

WHEREAS, Many of these cannon were presented to Washington communities with the hope that they would establish Civil War memorials of their own; and

WHEREAS, Citizen leaders in the city of Wenatchee recently reflected sound and allegiant reasoning in erecting a remarkable Cannon Memorial in their community's park; and

WHEREAS, Washingtonians in other communities no doubt also grasp our responsibility to keep in heart and mind the memory of those who came before us; and

WHEREAS, Other communities in our state would be well-advised to emulate the city of Wenatchee in preserving their own decorous hallmarks of commitment to the lives and times of Civil War veterans;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the State of Washington salute the work of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and encourage other Washington cities to follow the estimable example set so well by the people of Wenatchee; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted to Washington members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and to the Office of the Secretary of State for ready inspection by members of the public.

Five members and one Auxiliary member were present in the House Chamber for the reading.