House Concurrent Resolution 38

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SINCERE GRATITUDE OF THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE TO MISSISSIPPI'S FUNERAL SERVICE PROFESSIONALS AND THE MISSISSIPPI FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION FOR PROVIDING SAFE AND DIGNIFIED END OF LIFE RITES FOR FAMILIES IN BEREAVEMENT IN THE DARKEST HOURS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

WHEREAS, COVID–19 pandemic is a generational event that has impacted every aspect of our country, and more pertinently, our state; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi funeral service industry is comprised of approximately 465 licensed homes, most of which are family owned and operated, and who provide employment for over

5,000 people, providing valuable jobs in communities across the state; and

WHEREAS, the compounded change of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and rising death toll has required Mississippi's funeral directors to think outside the box about funeral planning and the myriad options available to families, and the steadfast dedication of these professionals during these tumultuous times to provide burial services and to support grieving families has remained consistently stellar, and deserving of laudable recognition; and

WHEREAS, with an approximate 30% increase the number of monthly service demands, many funeral homes and funeral service providers have worked significantly extended hours, sacrificing personal time away from family and loved ones, to ensure services and burials were available for all Mississippians; and

WHEREAS, industry leaders rapidly innovated to meet the challenges of the pandemic by adjusting their protocols to accommodate their facilities and services, thereby protecting the public by encouraging social distancing and other safety efforts during funerals; and

WHEREAS, tantamount to the services provided by frontline medical personnel and law enforcement officials in preserving life, funeral service professionals are categorized as essential business service providers who take every necessary precaution to preserve end of life services in a manner that respectfully and compassionately conveys consolation to and closure for grieving families; and

WHEREAS, while the traditional funeral symbols and rituals that accompanied our pre-pandemic way of life have changed, the primary mission and duty of Mississippi's funeral directors has remained grounded in the commitment to help families honor the life of a loved one in a meaningful way; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to acknowledge the selfless sacrifices of such remarkable and caring individuals as Mississippi's funeral service professionals:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby express the measure of our most sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the members of the funeral service industry, the Mississippi Funeral Directors Association and all those who assisted in providing dignified end of life rites during our nation's darkest hour.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Mississippi Funeral Directors Association and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.