House Resolution 123

A RESOLUTION HONORING AND COMMENDING MR. CLARENCE E. "PETE" BLAKE, JR., FOR HIS SERVICE DURING WORLD WAR II AS A MEMBER OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY.

WHEREAS, a true American Patriot, Mr. Clarence E. "Pete" Blake, Jr., is a veteran of World War II, which was fought to make the world safe for democracy and which repositioned world power and influence, firmly establishing the United States as a dominant world power; and

WHEREAS, born on November 23, 1923, Mr. Blake, as a result of his hard work and integrity, attained the esteemed rank of Technical Sergeant in the United State Army "Air Corps" Signal Corps and later served in the American Occupation Force in Japan before retiring from the Armed Forces and enjoying life back home in the states; and

WHEREAS, the honorable Mr. Blake faithfully served over a year in foreign combat zones, including Guadalcanal, Japan and Luzon, where he was nearly killed by a Japanese sniper before he finally returned home on February 14, 1946, upon the Sea Fiddler; and

WHEREAS, over the course of his army career, Mr. Blake received numerous awards and commendations, including the American Campaign Medal, Asia-Pacific Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal and the Good Conduct Medal among others; and

WHEREAS, in 2013, Mr. Blake was flown to Washington, D.C., as part of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Honor Air Flight to view the national war memorials and was forever touched by the appreciation he was deservingly shown by the people of Washington, D.C. and Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to humbly honor a hero such as Mr. Clarence E. "Pete" Blake, Jr., whose inspirational life of tireless service to his fellowman and country is an exemplary model of a patriotic American to which all citizens of our great country may aspire:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Mr. Clarence E. "Pete" Blake, Jr., for his honorable record of achievement as a veteran of World War II and extend best wishes for good health, peace and much happiness.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Clarence E. "Pete" Blake, Jr., VFW Post 5569, Ackerman, Mississippi, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.