SR-21, As Adopted by Senate, March 9, 2011

            Senate Resolution No. 21.

A resolution memorializing the life of Corporal Matthew T. Bolar.

“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.”

--Thucydides

            Whereas, It is with deep respect and sorrow that we offer this resolution as a memorial for the life of U.S. Army Corporal Matthew T. Bolar.  With this tragic passing, the communities of Kalamazoo, Michigan and Montgomery, Alabama have lost a soldier of great dedication and unselfishness. To his parents, Gordon Bolar and Anne Adkins, his sister Emma, and his extended family, in addition to his fellow soldiers stationed at Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, we offer this expression of our respect and admiration for the gifts he shared with the people of our state and nation; and

            Whereas, Corporal Matthew T. Bolar was the valedictorian of Canterbury High School in Montgomery, Alabama.  He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star, and he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery; and

            Whereas, A devoted son, brother, soldier, and friend, Matthew will undoubtedly always be remembered by his family as an energetic, caring, and passionate man, forever dear to their hearts.  Surely, his many friends will also treasure their memories of him and wonderful times together spent fishing and enjoying the outdoors; and

            Whereas, Corporal Bolar set standards of honor and duty on the job and throughout the Army that epitomized the values and qualities we seek in the men and women who dedicate themselves to serve our country.  To him, being a soldier in the United States Army was not just a job, but a total commitment and one he carried out in the most honorable way; and

            Whereas, Corporal Bolar, though having only served three years, was highly respected by his superiors.  He immediately volunteered for a second tour during the troop surge and was assisting farmers and residents when killed in action south of Baghdad.  He will be sincerely missed; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we offer words of praise as a memorial for Corporal Matthew T. Bolar.  We wish his family, friends, and the entire Army community comfort in their memory of him as a symbol of hope in a safer world, faith in life and community, and love of family; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Bolar and Adkins families, as well as the U.S. Army 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division as a reflection of our condolences.