House Concurrent Resolution 51

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING ARMY COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR LAWRENCE "RABBIT" KENNEDY AND EXTENDING GRATITUDE FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO HIS COUNTRY.

WHEREAS, throughout history, Mississippi has been known to produce dutiful, faithful and patriotic soldiers when our nation has called upon its citizens to defend our ideals, and Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Lawrence "Rabbit" Kennedy is one such soldier, whose dedication to the men who served under him is without equal establishing himself as both a hero and a legend; and

WHEREAS, CSM Kennedy's career in the United States Army spanned 35 years, during which time he accrued more medals than most, if not more than anyone, including 34 air medals and four Legions of Merit, the only man to do so; and

WHEREAS, on the heels of overcoming relative poverty set on by the Great Depression during his childhood, and after walking two days from Smithville to Tupelo in 1940 to enlist, CSM Kennedy began his storied career in the United States Army as a rank and file soldier in World War II, where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge, which was one of the toughest battles of the war, and during that battle, CSM Kennedy spent nine days in a frozen foxhole next to a dead German soldier; and

WHEREAS, his fighting in World War II gave him an appreciation for the strength and character necessary to endure life as a soldier, which he passed on to the soldiers under his command, earning a reputation as "one of the toughest sons of bitches" in the entire Army, even when he was just a sergeant; and

WHEREAS, a few years after serving a short stint in the Korean conflict, CSM Kennedy was honored to lead the Army's 1st Cavalry 9th Division into combat during the Vietnam war, and when his men came ashore in country, he was at the front, proudly carrying the American flag, and his command there cemented his legacy as one of the most respected and trusted noncommissioned officers; and

WHEREAS, even though his military accomplishments are enough to earn CSM Kennedy the respect of every citizen of this nation, it was the dignified manner in which he treated his men that he will be remembered for, as he was always willing to do whatever it took, on and off the battlefield, to ensure his men were well taken care of; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Legislature to recognize our honored veterans, such as CSM Kennedy, whose contributions to our state and nation will never be forgotten and will serve as an inspiration for many generations to come:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend Command Sergeant Major Lawrence "Rabbit" Kennedy for his many years of service to his country and extend our sincere gratitude for his sacrifice.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Command Sergeant Major Lawrence "Rabbit" Kennedy and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.