Recognizing Don Graves on the occasion of his 100th birthday.

89(R) SR 483 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 483

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to

recognize Don Graves on the grand occasion of his 100th

birthday; and

WHEREAS, Born in Detroit on May 3, 1925, this

distinguished military veteran served the nation honorably

during World War II as a member of the United States Marine

Corps; he is noted for his warmth and generosity, his

unwavering faith, and his dedication to duty, and he is a

respected and admired citizen of Fort Worth; and

WHEREAS, Inspired to serve his country by President

Roosevelt's speech in 1941 following the attack on Pearl Harbor,

Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps upon reaching the

age of 17; he was trained as a flamethrower operator and

valiantly defended the Allied Forces on the front lines of the

historic Battle of Iwo Jima, and he concluded his military

service with the rank of corporal in 1946; and

WHEREAS, Don followed through on the prayer he made on the

beach of Iwo Jima, and after the war's end and his return to

civilian life, he began attending worship services and studying

the Bible; he found great fulfillment in this pursuit, and he

went on to study theology and became a minister in the 1970s; he

faithfully served as a minister for 32 years, and he has

continued to serve others by sharing his story and his faith as a

speaker and guest at numerous events and gatherings; and

WHEREAS, Don was joined in devoted marriage with Rebecca

Graves, his beloved late wife, and they were blessed with 70

years together; she wasasourceofencouragementandsupportto

him throughout his ministry and in all things, and they were

blessed with children who enriched their lives immeasurably; and

WHEREAS, Don Graves has witnessed many remarkable and

historic events over the course of his lifetime, and there is

much to be learned from the wisdom he has gained over the years;

he is now celebrating his 100th year of life, and the achievement

of this extraordinary milestone is indeed an occasion for much

rejoicing among all who have been privileged to share in his

life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th

Legislature, hereby recognize Don Graves as a treasured citizen

of the Lone Star State and extend to him sincere gratitude for his

sacrifice and patriotic service and best wishes on the occasion

of his 100th birthday; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for

him as a memento of this special day.

Hancock

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the

above Resolution was adopted by

the Senate on May 5, 2025.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate