House Resolution 8

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE MISSISSIPPI ALL-STATE LIONS BAND UPON WINNING BAND GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP AT THE 2005 LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION'S PARADE OF NATIONS IN HONG KONG, CHINA.

WHEREAS, while attending and marching in the 2005 Lions Club International Convention's Parade of Nations in Hong Kong, China, on June 28, 2005, the Mississippi All-State Band was crowned grand champions; and

WHEREAS, the 140-plus member Mississippi Lions All-State Band stood above the rest of its cohorts in a parade featuring 12,000 Lions Club members from 100 countries, many in native dress, who marched along with 100 floats and marching bands, to capture the favor and recognition of the judging panel to claim title to the top honor as grand champions; and

WHEREAS, the 2005 Mississippi Lions All-State Band's international honor marks their 23rd win, having previously won in 1951, 1953, 1955, 1962, 1970, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1989, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2000, 2003 and 2004; and

WHEREAS, having won more international competitions than any other band in the United States, the Mississippi Lions All-State Band has been managed by Gary Cook and Jeff Cannon, and directed by Chris McArthur, Mickey Mangum and Vance Wiggington, who have perfected the musicians' skill and execution of style and poise; and

WHEREAS, without the support, assistance, diligence, dedication and hard work of the Lions Club staff, this accomplishment could not have been made possible; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence in such organizations as the Mississippi Lions All-State Band, whose composition is indicative of the cultural diversity and common unity that is symbolic of the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Mississippi Lions All-State Band upon being chosen grand champions at the Lions Club International Convention in Hong Kong, China, and express our heartiest wishes for continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to manager Gary Cook, assistant manager Jeff Cannon, directors Chris McArthur, Mickey Mangum, Vance Wiggington and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.