MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2006 1st Extraordinary Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Simpson, Aldridge, Arinder, Barnett, Brown, Compretta, Ellington, Flaggs, Fredericks, Guice, Hamilton (109th), Holland, Ishee, Janus, Martinson, Mayo, Patterson, Peranich, Rotenberry, Upshaw, Wells-Smith, Zuber

House Concurrent Resolution 5

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE SUN HERALD UPON BEING A RECIPIENT OF A PULITZER PRIZE FOR PUBLIC SERVICE.

     WHEREAS, on Monday, August 21, 2006, The Sun Herald newspaper received a Pulitzer Prize for public service, in addition to having three of its editors listed as finalists for a prize in editorial writing; and

     WHEREAS, upon receiving notice of the grand achievement, Executive Editor Stan Tiner dedicated the medal to the people of South Mississippi, "whose magnificent hearts and spirits" moved the staff to share the story of their struggle and triumphs; and

     WHEREAS, serving as a reflection of the community's pain, joy, unbelievable agony and everything accompanied therewith, The Sun Herald was recognized for its "valorous and comprehensive coverage of Hurricane Katrina, providing a lifeline for devastated readers in print and online, during their time of greatest need"; and

     WHEREAS, while basking in the grandeur of this accomplishment, additional honors poured in as Tiner and editorial writers, B. Marie Harris and Tony Biffle, were named finalists in the Pulitzer editorial writing category for their "passionate editorials in the wake of Hurricane Katrina that empathized with victims while pleading for relief from the outside world"; and

     WHEREAS, also worthy of notable praise are the many men and women on staff who, even in the midst of the darkest hours of Hurricane Katrina, put aside their personal losses to focus on the greater causes of humanity, by informing their fellow citizens and emotionally shattered comrades of the plight of their beloved community; and

     WHEREAS, not missing a single day's publication in the aftermath of this most horrific storm, employees of The Sun Herald exhibited the makings of true journalists, going above and beyond the call of duty, exemplifying selflessness to give the most accurate and complete account of events as they unfolded; and

     WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence in editorial journalism as produced by The Sun Herald, which has brought great honor and national attention to itself and the Mississippi Gulf Coast:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate The Sun Herald upon receiving a Pulitzer Prize for public service and express our support and best wishes for continued success in all its future endeavors.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to The Sun Herald and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.