MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Broomfield, Bailey, Capps, Clark, Ellis, Fredericks, Green (96th), Henderson (26th), Jennings, King, Markham, Morris, Read, Robinson (63rd), Rogers, Scott (80th), Thornton, Wallace, Watson, West, Young

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING REVEREND H.R. GRIZZELL FOR RECEIVING THE LEGION OF HONOR FROM THE FRENCH CONSUL.

WHEREAS, Reverend H.R. Grizzell, a native of Lake, Mississippi, will receive the Legion of Honor, France's top national medal for gallantry, in ceremonies on February 13, 1999, in Moss Point, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the French government has decided to mark the 80th anniversary of the Armistice of World War I by conferring the Legion of Honor on American and other allied veterans of the Great War, and Reverend Grizzell is one of three Mississippians to be so honored; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Grizzell's VA record states that he was born on July 5, 1894, although his son says he was born in 1892, and he was raised in Sherman Hill, Mississippi, where he was a log cutter; and

WHEREAS, a loyal patriot of his country, Reverend Grizzell joined the United States Army in Marianna, Arkansas, on April 29, 1918, and was released from active duty on July 14, 1919, in Camp Pike, Arkansas; and

WHEREAS, dedicated to protecting the citizens of this country, Reverend Grizzell served as a private in Company A, 526th Engineers during World War I in Northwest France from July 10, 1918, to June 30, 1919; and

WHEREAS, after his release from the military, Reverend Grizzell moved to Philadelphia, Mississippi, where he founded the West Side Church of God and faithfully served as their pastor for fifty years; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Grizzell has been lovingly supported in all his endeavors by his only son, Willie, and his daughter-in-law, Margaret; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi to recognize and pay special tribute to outstanding Mississippi veterans such as Reverend H.R. Grizzell, whose loyalty and dedication to his country is an example for all to follow:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Reverend H.R. Grizzell for receiving the Legion of Honor from the French Consul on February 13, 1999, and extend to him our heartiest wishes for many years of good health, happiness, peace and joy.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Reverend H.R. Grizzell and members of the Capitol Press Corps.