MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives McElwain, Gadd

House Concurrent Resolution 54

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING LAWRENCE BOOTH "BOOTS" BRIGHT UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM MISSISSIPPI FORESTRY COMMISSION. 

WHEREAS, Lawrence Booth "Boots" Bright, an Ashland native, has retired from the Mississippi Forestry Commission, where he has been employed for the past 46 years; and

WHEREAS, after finishing a tour of duty with the service, Mr. Bright returned to his home in Benton County, Mississippi, to begin his career; and

WHEREAS, on October 1, 1951, Mr. Bright was hired by County Forester Ellis E. Robinson with the Mississippi Forestry Commission with a starting salary of $80.00 per month; and

WHEREAS, displaying loyalty to his job and leadership skills, Mr. Bright was promoted to Crew Chief several years later; and

WHEREAS, wearing Smokey the Bear suit, Mr. Bright's duties also included giving important talks and visits to school children on the importance of fire safety; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Bright not only fought fires but made plans to keep our forestlands safe and green so that all of us could enjoy their beauty; and

WHEREAS, throughout his 46 years of service to the Forestry Commission, Mr. Bright was lovingly supported by his wife, Martha and their daughter Bonnie; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature of the State of Mississippi finds it most appropriate to pay special tribute to such an outstanding Mississippian as Mr. Lawrence Booth "Boots" Bright, for his unselfish and endless devotion to helping plan and maintain our natural resources:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend Mr. Lawrence Booth "Boots" Bright, a man dedicated to keeping the forestry industry alive in Mississippi and congratulate him on his well deserved retirement after 46 years of service to our state.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution will be furnished to Mr. Lawrence Booth "Boots" Bright and the Capitol Press Corps.