S*1311 Resolution, By Waldrep
 A SENATE RESOLUTION TO COMMEND THE SILVER SPRING BAPTIST CHURCH, PENDLETON, ON
 THE OCCASION OF ITS MAY 26, 2002, WORSHIP SERVICE AND CELEBRATION HONORING
 VETERANS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES FOR THEIR SACRIFICE IN THE
 CAUSE OF FREEDOM, TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE MEMBERS OF THE 54TH
 MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, CO. I, INC., FOR THEIR DEDICATION TO THE
 PRESERVATION OF THE MEMORY OF THE SOLDIERS OF THE CIVIL WAR AND THOSE AFRICAN
 AMERICANS SERVING THE UNION IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO THANK THE
 MEMBERS OF THE REENACTMENT UNIT, THE CLERGY, STAFF AND MEMBERS OF SILVER
 SPRING BAPTIST CHURCH, AND HONORED GUESTS FOR THEIR PRESENCE AND PARTICIPATION
 IN THIS SPECIAL EVENT.

   05/28/02  Senate Introduced and adopted SJ-8

TO COMMEND THE SILVER SPRING BAPTIST CHURCH, PENDLETON, ON THE OCCASION OF ITS MAY 26, 2002, WORSHIP SERVICE AND CELEBRATION HONORING VETERANS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES FOR THEIR SACRIFICE IN THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM, TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE MEMBERS OF THE 54TH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, CO. I, INC., FOR THEIR DEDICATION TO THE PRESERVATION OF THE MEMORY OF THE SOLDIERS OF THE CIVIL WAR AND THOSE AFRICAN AMERICANS SERVING THE UNION IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO THANK THE MEMBERS OF THE REENACTMENT UNIT, THE CLERGY, STAFF AND MEMBERS OF SILVER SPRING BAPTIST CHURCH, AND HONORED GUESTS FOR THEIR PRESENCE AND PARTICIPATION IN THIS SPECIAL EVENT.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are delighted to learn of and lend their support to the efforts of Silver Spring Baptist Church, Pendleton, to honor the veterans of military service in the Armed Forces of the United States at a special worship service and celebration, featuring a Civil War era demonstration by members of the famed 54th Massachusetts Voluntary Infantry, Co. I, Inc., on Sunday, May 26, 2002; and

Whereas, the single theme that streams throughout history from biblical times to the American Revolution and present times is that, in the eternal law of God, all men are created equal and all men yearn to be free; and

Whereas, from the firing of "the shot heard around the world" at Lexington on April 19, 1775, to the present day, the citizens of the United States of America have served in the Armed Forces of the United States in the cause and defense of freedom; and

Whereas, it is always fitting to respect and remember all American veterans who served honorably, in peace and war, in the Armed Forces of the United States. It is also especially fitting on this occasion to remember the service and sacrifice of those African Americans who served the Union in the State of South Carolina during the American Civil War and the heroism of the members of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the Union assault against Battery Wagner on Morris Island; and

Whereas, all veterans are not called upon to experience the shot, shell, and horrors of war experienced by the brave soldiers of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment who fought on Morris Island. Yet, all veterans who serve honorably in the Armed Forces of the United States in the cause of freedom are at risk of being called upon to go into harms way, and all are entitled the respect, admiration, and thanks of a grateful nation. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the Senate, by this resolution, commend the Silver Spring Baptist Church, Pendleton, on the occasion of its May 26, 2002, worship service and celebration honoring veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States for their sacrifice in the cause of freedom, to recognize and commend the members of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Co. I, Inc., for their dedication to the preservation of the memory of the soldiers of the Civil War and African Americans serving the Union in the State of South Carolina, and to thank the members of the reenactment unit, the clergy, staff and members of Silver Spring Baptist Church, and honored guests for their presence and participation in this special event.

Be it further resolved that copies of this resolution be presented to Silver Spring Baptist Church, Pendleton, and to Sergeant George E. Hughes, Quartermaster, 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Co. I, Inc., of Charleston, South Carolina.