The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 362.

            A resolution for the Honorable Sal Rocca.

            Whereas, With the completion of the Ninety-second Legislature, Representative Sal Rocca is bringing to a close his long and distinguished tenure of service as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives.  We are proud to commend him for his many years of commitment to our state and to the legislative process; and

            Whereas, Sal Rocca embodies the American dream.  Born in Casalvieri Italy to Onorio and Virginia Rocca, his family came to the United States in search of freedom and opportunity.  With a strong work ethic instilled in him by his immigrant parents, he started his own business at age 13.  His diverse experiences in business, which include work as  a skilled tradesman and many years as a real estate professional, have given him a sense of his community’s needs.  This has served him well throughout his 11 terms as a lawmaker and in his service on the Macomb County Board of Commissioners from 1995 to 2000; and

            Whereas, First elected to the House in 1974, Representative Rocca has witnessed great changes in the challenges facing our state and nation.  In the face of these changes, he has devoted himself to his constituents and to Michigan’s well-being.  Representative Rocca has devoted much of his adult life to the service of others through elective office. Among Representative Rocca’s many contributions were the establishment of Michigan’s Great Lakes Bottomlands Preserves and the construction of the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Monument on the grounds of the State Capitol; and

Whereas, Representative Rocca is most proud of his attention to his constituents’ needs, working to resolve citizens’ problems with state government and always taking the time to speak with schoolchildren visiting the State Capitol building; and

Whereas, Representative Rocca considers it as testimony to the goodness of the American people that someone born in a foreign land can achieve the “American Dream” as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Sal Rocca for his many years of service to his community, this legislative body, and our entire state; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Rocca as evidence of our gratitude and best wishes.