Reps. Woronchak, Sak, Accavitti, Acciavatti, Adamini, Anderson, Bieda, Bradstreet, Brandenburg, Brown, Byrum, Caswell, Condino, Dennis, DeRoche, DeRossett, Drolet, Ehardt, Elkins, Emmons, Farhat, Farrah, Garfield, Gieleghem, Gillard, Hager, Hardman, Hopgood, Howell, Huizenga, Hune, Jamnick, Koetje, Kooiman, LaJoy, LaSata, Lipsey, McConico, Meyer, Milosch, Minore, Newell, Nitz, Nofs, O'Neil, Paletko, Palmer, Palsrok, Pappageorge, Pastor, Richardville, Rivet, Robertson, Rocca, Shaffer, Sheen, Sheltrown, Shulman, Spade, Stahl, Stakoe, Stallworth, Steil, Stewart, Tabor, Tobocman, Van Regenmorter, Vander Veen, Voorhees, Walker, Wojno and Zelenko offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 104.

A resolution to honor the 87th Armored Field Artillery Battalion who fought to defend our freedom during World War II as they gather for their 60th anniversary reunion of their journey through the European Theatre and to memorialize those brave young men who gave their lives in service to our great nation.

We who are living shall return to our homes with a sense of satisfaction, and the knowledge of a 'job' well done and a vital interest to maintain the four freedoms.

            Whereas, Freedom is not free.  We honor those brave soldiers who fought to defend the freedoms that today are all too often taken for granted.  We pause to recognize the 20 members of the 87th Armored Field Artillery Battalion who lost their lives and 104 who were wounded in combat protecting our freedoms during World War II; and

            Whereas, Members of the 87th Armored Field Artillery Battalion received the following honors: 104 awarded Purple Heart Medals; 18 awarded Purple Heart Ribbons; 10 awarded Purple Heart Ribbons by the 3rd Armored Division; 14 awarded Silver Star Medals; 20 awarded Air Medals; 28 awarded Bronze Star Medals; 56 awarded Meritorious Service Medals; and one man, Robert C. Keeler, was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal; and

            Whereas,  Members of the 87th Armored Field Artillery Battalion began their journey together on July 15, 1940, at Fort William in the jungles of Panama.  They were later rushed to Fort Knox and to England for training specifically for D-Day.  Their journey ultimately led them to Belgium and France through the beaches of Normandy, Omaha and Utah and beyond into the shattered heart of Hitler's Germany.  On January 10, 1944, they arrived in Adderbury, Oxfordshire, England and began specialized assault training for the fierce fighting that began on June 6, 1944, at D-Day and continued until May 1945 when the first members of the 87th were discharged with full military honor and sent back to the United States; and

            Whereas, During World War II the 87th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, code name "Jeopard," became known throughout the European Theatre of Operations as the "Bushmasters,"  synonymous with rapid, accurate artillery fire.  The 87th Armored Field Artillery Battalion expended 161,716 rounds of 105mm ammunition in combat.  The bond that these men developed has been the driving force which leads them to gather annually around the United States for a reunion; and

            Whereas, We welcome the living heroes of the 87th Armored Field Artillery Battalion and their families to the great state of Michigan for their 60th anniversary reunion of their journey through the European Theatre, held in Southgate, Michigan from September 4-7, 2003, and extend our highest regard and heartfelt thanks for your service to our country; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That members of this legislative body join together in honoring the 87th Armored Field Artillery Battalion who fought to defend our freedom during World War II as they gather for their 60th anniversary reunion of their journey through the European Theatre; and be it further 

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution is transmitted to the living heroes of the 87th Armored Field Artillery Battalion as evidence of our sincere gratitude to those who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect freedom and liberty.