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HomeMy WebLinkAboutres1998-073WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL NO-_1998 - 369 CLEARANCES Date Date Received in Council Office Agenda Date Assigned To Orig. Dept.: County Council 10/15/98 11/10/98 County Council Division Head: Dept. Head: Prosecutor: Budget: Executive: SUBJECT.- Recogintion of POW -MIA for Veteran's Day & 25th Anniv. of Vietnam War ATTACHMENTS SUMMARY STATEMENT.- Related County Contract #: Should the Clerk schedule a hearing? (Y/N N Requested Date: RECOMMENDED MOTION (for final action): COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: 1998 - 369 11/10/98: Approved 7 -0, Res. #98 -073 rtelated File Numbers: Ordinance or Resolution Number (this item only): Rffi 9$' 075 SPONSORED BY: County Council /County Executive PROPOSED BY: County Council /County Executive INTRODUCTION DATE: October 27, 1998 RESOLUTION NO: 98 -073 DESIGNATING NOVEMBER 11, 1998, VETERANS DAY, AS A DAY SET ASIDE TO HONOR ALL WAR VETERANS, ESPECIALLY THOSE VIETNAM VETERANS, FORMER POWs, AND THOSE MISSING IN ACTION, ON THIS 25T" ANNIVERSARY OF THE VIETNAM WAR WHEREAS, in recent years we have heard much debate and support for the downsizing of our military, it is now more important than ever that we honor those women and men who have served the United States of America as members of the armed forces. In particular we want to recognize the 25' Anniversary of the Vietnam War and honor those veterans, especially persons who were prisoners of war or are missing in action; and WHEREAS, there are over 1 5,000 veterans in Whatcom County, add to this core number, spouses, dependents and other significant family members for a total of over 40,000 citizens of Whatcom County who are veterans, or close family members of someone who has served in the armed forces. A significant number have themselves been, or had a loved one, confined as a prisoner of war or are missing in action during the Vietnam era. Every veteran has carried the banner for civilization and, to those who were held as prisoners of war you, more than others, understand the reality of living in an uncivilized environment; and WHEREAS, to those of you who are now, or have been, proud members of the United States Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, members of the National Guard and reserve forces we salute you; and WHEREAS, to all those men and women who have carried arms, stood as sentinels around the world to safeguard these beloved shores and to ensure peace in this country, you are the backbone of the nation. You are unsung heroes of Whatcom County and protectors of this dominion, who have risked your lives to preserve the precious gift of freedom we enjoy today; and WHEREAS, to those very special men and women who were prisoners of war, we pay tribute to your courage, your tenacity, your strength of spirit, and your endurance. In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy." You, above all, have met the enemy, endured and won! NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that on this 25' Anniversary of the Vietnam War the Whatcom County Council and the Whatcom County Executive want to convey to you how important your service was to this nation; we voice our heartfelt gratitude and hold you in high esteem. Today we pay tribute to those of you who served, to those of you who were held as prisoners of war, to those who are missing in action, and to those of you who stayed home and kept the vigil while your loved ones put their lives in jeopardy for all our sake. You have our sincere admiration and gratitude. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, as John F. Kennedy said, "The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender or submission." You are an example to all of us on how to stand firm in your faith, your loyalty, and your patriotism. The Whatcom County Council and the Whatcom County Executive, in recognition of the 251 Anniversary of the Vietnam War, do hereby declare the 11 ' day of November, 1998, as a day to honor all of Whatcom County veterans, especially those Vietnam veterans and former prisoners of war and those missing in action. APPROVED this 10 day of November , 1998. ATTEST WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL WHATCOM COUNTY WASHINGTON Dana rown- Davis, r o t e ouncil Robert A. Imhof, Council Ch a r APPRO D AS TO FORM: Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Pete Kremen, County Executive Date: //`/?— F?