House Resolution 101

A RESOLUTION REMEMBERING THE GALLANT SERVICE AND COMMENDING THE LIFE OF UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS CORPORAL DUSTIN J. LEE OF QUITMAN, MISSISSIPPI, WHO WAS KILLED IN ACTION IN IRAQ ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2007, AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, United States Marine Corps Corporal Dustin J. Lee, 20, of Quitman, Mississippi, the son of Mississippi Highway Patrol Trooper Jerome Lee and Quitman schoolteacher Rachel Lee, was killed in action on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, from a mortar attack while conducting combat operations against anti-Iraqi forces in the Al Anbar Province, in Fallujah, Iraq, joining an eternal fraternal order of comrades who, like him, gave the ultimate sacrifice of life that others may come to know freedom and democracy as more than a distant dream, but a reality; and

WHEREAS, assigned to the Third Recon Battalion, Battery 3rd Platoon, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Corporal Lee was borne by a Marine Honor Guard, upon his final return to his family and to his community; and

WHEREAS, an all-American boy who loved life and carried the respect of all in his community, Corporal Lee, for his courageous service and supreme sacrifice, was buried with full military honors, during which time he was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross; and

WHEREAS, a Christian who was always fair and looked for the good in people, Dustin joined the Marines after graduating from Quitman High School in 2004; and

WHEREAS, since operations began in Iraq and Afghanistan, at least 49 soldiers or sailors with Mississippi ties have paid the most honorable toll of military service with the ultimate sacrifice of life in order that others may have the opportunity to experience a life of freedom; and

WHEREAS, sorely missed by those who experienced the depth of his love, commitment and compassion for life and pursuit of freedom for all, the legacy of his memory will forever be etched in the hearts and lives of his survivors, including: father, State Trooper Jerome Lee; mother, Rachel; sister, Madyson; brother, Camryn; aunts; uncles; and many close friends; and

WHEREAS, Corporal Lee was a dutiful son who is counted among America's heroes, committed to our nation's safety and security; and

WHEREAS, to a country, a fallen soldier means a national loss; to a community, a fallen soldier means a true hero; to a parent, a fallen soldier means a son who won't be coming home; and

WHEREAS, Mississippians understand the costs of conflict, because we have paid them in the past, and it is with great pride and humility that we recognize the heroic action of this great American and Mississippian, who was the guardian of civilization as we know it today:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby remember the gallant service and commend the life of United States Marine Corporal Dustin J. Lee of Quitman, Mississippi, who was killed in action in Iraq on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, and express deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Corporal Lee and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.