MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Short, Fredericks

House Concurrent Resolution 67

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING HARRY CHARLES TARTT ON BEING CHOSEN KING ILLINOIS 1997. 

WHEREAS, Harry Charles Tartt, a native Mississippian, was born to Seth and Beulah Tartt in Biloxi, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Tartt attended New Orleans University, which is now Dillard University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in three years; and

WHEREAS, choosing to serve his country, Mr. Tartt was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1942, served as a combat soldier in Tunisia and Algeria in North Africa, where he won five battle stars, and also served as chaplain; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Tartt saw additional combat service in Salerno and Napali, Italy, and at the end of World War II he served in Germany, France and Korea; and

WHEREAS, an aspiring actor, Mr. Tartt played in several movies, including "The Life of Lola Montez," "Alexander the Great" and "Maid Without Honor"; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Tartt has done graduate work at San Jose State College, where he earned thirty hours in English Literature and membership in Epsilon Eta Sigma, the University's English Honor Society; and

WHEREAS, after thirty years of military duty, Mr. Tartt retired in the rank of major in 1964; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Tartt was assigned as the first African-American teacher at Gulfport High School during the integration of schools; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Tartt is a member of numerous organizations such as Phi Delta Kappa, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the Gulf Coast Pan Hellenic Organization, the Military Order of World Wars, the Mississippi Gerontological Society, the Original Illinois Club and the Epicurean Club; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Tartt was a staff member of the Military Newspaper in Frankfort, Germany, and was editor-in-chief of seventeen Army newspapers while serving in Korea; and

WHEREAS, an essayist, Mr. Tartt's inspirational articles have appeared in numerous weekly journals and newspapers in Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Tartt was presented the Living Legacy Certificate of Recognition by the National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc., and was awarded the Dreamer Award by Theta Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, a loving and devoted husband and father, Mr. Tartt is married to Orlean Grace and has one daughter, Jacquelyn Denise Tartt; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the citizens of this state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Harry Charles Tartt on being chosen as King Illinois 1997, and we extend our best wishes in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Harry Charles Tartt and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.