MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2013 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Chassaniol, Jackson (15th), Browning, Butler (38th), Frazier, Jackson (32nd), Lee, Montgomery, Parker, Wilemon
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PAYING TRIBUTE TO WORLD WAR II COMBAT VETERAN WILLIAM GARRETT OF WINONA, MISSISSIPPI, UPON HIS RECEIPT OF THE FRENCH LEGION OF HONOR MEDAL.
WHEREAS, William Garrett of Winona, Mississippi, served for 32 months during World War II, and until recently, he had put a lot of the memories away. In August 2012, he received a letter inviting him to Atlanta to receive a medal from the government of France, "with endless respect and affection, in recognition of your noble contribution during World War II and in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives for the cause." It was signed by Denis Barbet, France's newly appointed Consul General to Atlanta; and
WHEREAS, on September 27, 2012, he and 11 others from all over the country were honored for their service in the war. Garrett and the few remaining American Veterans who served in France were given the Legion of Honor Medal, France's most distinguished decoration; and
WHEREAS, "It's the French showing an appreciation of the Americans driving the Germans out of France. Glad to have a part of it," the Technician 4th Grade of Company C, 245th Engineering Combat Battalion, said humbly, his words carefully chosen, his eyes full of stories; and
WHEREAS, the Legion of Honor, founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, is designated by the French President to those who have served their country above and beyond the call of duty. The French Legion of Honor Medal was created in 1802 by Emperor Napoleon to recognize those who have rendered eminent services to the Republic of France or who have demonstrated exceptional courage, bravery and a spirit of sacrifice beyond the ordinary, particularly in the military domain. Recipients of this honor are designated by the President of the Republic of France; and
WHEREAS, Garrett served as Technician 4th Grade of Company C, 245th Engineering Combat Battalion, and helped free people from German concentration camps. Garrett says what he and his fellow troops did during the war was a gentleman's duty. It was what they signed up to do. Garrett joined the Army the day before Halloween in 1944. On the day after Christmas, he arrived in France with his unit in the City of Le Havre. They crossed France toward the Eastern Front into Reims and stayed in Moselle through January 1945. There they swept for mines, built bridges and cleared roads for tanks and allied troops to pass. He also faced combat in the Ardennes and on into Germany. At the ceremony, Denis Barbet said he was touched to decorate Garrett and the other 11 men given the medal that day. "I visited the beaches of Normandy as well as the American Military Cemetery at Colleville sur Mer, and I was able to measure the sum of courage necessary to cross the defense lines, a courage that was often paid for at the cost of life, in order to liberate France and Europe"; and
WHEREAS, the 88-year-old veteran is happy to show visitors through the house he built with his own hands into the side of a hill outside Winona. On the wall next to the Garrett's front door is a picture of 15 people, almost in stairstep formation. Garret's eyes smile as he says being the middle brother of 13 brothers and sisters meant he was always getting "beat on from both sides." His proud family includes: wife, Lorene Ellingburg (deceased); children: William Earnest Garrett, Rita G. Warren and Deborah G. Wilson; 6 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, experts say the nation is losing 1,000 war veterans, commonly referred to as the Greatest Generation, each and every day. All of these veterans are humble, as are many of the men who fought in the war, they were just doing their duty. Mississippians understand the costs of conflicts, 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 is the guardian of civilization as we know it today:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby pay tribute to World War II Combat Veteran William Garrett of Winona, Mississippi, upon his receipt of the French Legion of Honor Medal by the French consulate, and commend this living veteran who served in combat operations in France, and extend the thanks of a grateful state to him and his family on this occasion.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to William Garrett, forwarded to the Mississippi Division of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.