Reps. Woronchak, Farrah, Accavitti, Bieda, Condino, Gillard, Hummel, Jamnick, Lipsey, Milosch, Palsrok, Sheltrown, Spade, Vagnozzi, Wojno, Brandenburg, Byrum, DeRossett, Ehardt, Gieleghem, Hopgood, Koetje, Kooiman, Law, Meyer, Middaugh, Minore, O'Neil, Palmer, Richardville, Robertson, Sak, Shaffer, Sheen, Taub, Vander Veen, Voorhees, Zelenko, Garfield, Pastor, Stallworth, Acciavatti, Adamini, Anderson, Brown, Caswell, Daniels, Dennis, Elkins, Emmons, Gleason, Hardman, Huizenga, Murphy, Nitz, Nofs, Shulman, Stakoe, Stewart, Tabor, Tobocman, Woodward and Caul offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 266.

            A resolution honoring the 596th Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion of the 5th Air Force who fought to defend our freedom during World War II.

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 members of the 596th Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion of the 5th Air Force who lost their lives and those who were wounded in combat protecting our freedoms during World War II as they gather once again for a remembrance of their; and 

Whereas, Members of the 596th began their journey together on July 11, 1943, training at Camp Weatherhead in Bradenton, Florida.  As they began they could not have known of the true scale of what they were about to embark on.  Following training, they soon found themselves in the South Pacific.  Frequenting such hotbeds of conflict as New Guinea and Wake Island, the 596th was essential in the fight against tyranny and oppression, before returning back to the United States in January of 1946; and

Whereas, Winston Churchill once said, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”  Surely, the cause of freedom was greatly enriched by the sacrifices of these selfless men.  Each citizen in the free world owes each of them a debt of gratitude.  Perhaps just as important, however, are the bonds of friendship that were built between them.  Driven by common experiences and a genuine care for each other, this group of men make it a priority to periodically meet at locations around the United States for a reunion; and

Whereas, We welcome the living heroes of the 596th Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion of the 5th Air Force and their families to the great state of Michigan for their 61st anniversary of their journey through the Pacific Theater.  We wish to extend our highest regard and heartfelt thanks for your service to our country; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body honor the 596th Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion who fought to defend our freedom during World War II as they reunite for the 28th time.  We wish to extend our highest regard and heartfelt thanks for their service to our country; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution is transmitted to the living heroes of the 596th Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion as evidence of our sincere gratitude to those who were willing to pay the ultimate price to protect  our freedom and liberty.