MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Burton, Carter, White (5th), Smith, Horhn

A RESOLUTION URGING PRESIDENT CLINTON TO AWARD THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM TO THE LATE JIMMIE RODGERS. 

WHEREAS, Jimmie Rodgers was a native son of Meridian, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Jimmie Rodgers is recognized as the Father of Country Music; and

WHEREAS, Jimmie Rodgers was the first inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Jimmie Rodgers was the first performing artist commemorated on a United States postal stamp, thus reflecting his national prominence; and

WHEREAS, other musicians, including country music stars Roy Acuff and Tennessee Ernie Ford, have received Presidential Citations; and

WHEREAS, a number of governors, legislators and other prominent citizens and music fans have recommended to the President of the United States that Jimmie Rodgers should receive the same honor:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we urge the Honorable William J. Clinton, President of these United States, to bestow upon the late Jimmie Rodgers the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be sent to President Clinton.