Commemorating lives and sacrifices by Mississippians who served during War Between the States.

S. R. No. 70 *SS26/R1613* ~ OFFICIAL ~ N1/2
26/SS26/R1613
PAGE 1 (rdd\kr)

To: Rules
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026

By: Senator(s) Chism

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 70

A RESOLUTION HONORING CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL DAY AND 1
COMMEMORATING THE LIVES AND SACRIFICES OF MISSISSIPPIANS WHO 2
SERVED DURING THE WAR BETWEEN THE STATES OR THE AMERICAN CIVIL 3
WAR, AND ENCOURAGING THE CITIZENS OF THIS STATE TO REFLECT UPON 4
THE HISTORY AND LESSONS OF THAT ERA. 5
WHEREAS, the "War Between the States" or the American Civil 6
War, fought from 1861 to 1865, stands as one of the most tragic 7
and consequential conflicts in the history of the United States, 8
claiming hundreds of thousands of lives and leaving a profound 9
impact upon the people of Mississippi and the nation as a whole; 10
and 11
WHEREAS, thousands of Mississippians served during that 12
conflict, and many gave their lives in service to what they 13
believed to be their duty, leaving behind families and communities 14
whose histories remain intertwined with the events of that era; 15
and 16
WHEREAS, the passage of time has not diminished the 17
significance of the sacrifices endured by those who lived through 18
the war, nor the responsibility of later generations to remember 19
S. R. No. 70 *SS26/R1613* ~ OFFICIAL ~
26/SS26/R1613
PAGE 2 (rdd\kr)

the hardships experienced by their ancestors and to study the 20
lessons of history with honesty and reflection; and 21
WHEREAS, Mississippi law recognizes the last Monday of April 22
as Confederate Memorial Day, a legal holiday set aside for 23
remembrance of the Mississippians who died during the war, as 24
provided in Section 3-3-7 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as 25
amended; and 26
WHEREAS, for more than three decades, governors of the State 27
of Mississippi, representing both major political parties, have 28
issued proclamations recognizing Confederate Heritage Month during 29
the month of April, continuing a tradition that began in 1993 and 30
acknowledging the historical observance of Confederate Memorial 31
Day under Mississippi law; and 32
WHEREAS, memorial observances have long served as occasions 33
for reflection upon the cost of war, the value of reconciliation 34
and unity, and the importance of preserving historical knowledge 35
for future generations; and 36
WHEREAS, honoring those who lived through difficult chapters 37
of history does not require the reopening of old divisions, but 38
rather encourages a thoughtful remembrance of the past and a 39
renewed commitment to the principles of peace, unity, and mutual 40
respect among all citizens; and 41
WHEREAS, the citizens of Mississippi benefit from 42
opportunities to reflect upon their shared history, to recognize 43
the sacrifices of those who came before them, and to draw lessons 44
S. R. No. 70 *SS26/R1613* ~ OFFICIAL ~
26/SS26/R1613
PAGE 3 (rdd\kr)
ST: Commemorating lives and sacrifices by
Mississippians who served during War Between the
States.
from the past that may guide the state toward a more unified and 45
prosperous future: 46
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF 47
MISSISSIPPI, That the Senate hereby honors and commemorates 48
Confederate Memorial Day, and respectfully remembers the 49
Mississippians who served and died during the "War Between the 50
States" or the American Civil War. 51
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate encourages the 52
citizens of Mississippi to use this day of remembrance as an 53
opportunity to reflect upon the profound costs of war, to honor 54
the memories of those who endured its hardships, and to renew 55
their commitment to unity and understanding among all people of 56
this state and nation. 57
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That in observance of Confederate 58
Memorial Day, the Senate encourages that the 1894 Mississippi 59
State Flag be respectfully displayed upon the buildings and 60
grounds of the State of Mississippi as a symbol of remembrance for 61
those Mississippians who endured the hardships of the war and as a 62
reaffirmation of the unity and strength of the United States of 63
America. 64
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be furnished to 65
the Governor of the State of Mississippi, the Mississippi 66
Department of Archives and History, and made available to members 67
of the Capitol Press Corps. 68