Senators Richardville, Colbeck, Kahn, Jones, Hansen, Brandenburg, Kowall, Robertson, Booher, Jansen, Green, Hune, Meekhof, Moolenaar, Caswell, Nofs, Proos, Casperson, Pappageorge, Hildenbrand and Schuitmaker offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 87.

            A resolution to recognize October 17, 2011, as Young Marines Day in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, The Young Marines is a youth education and service program for boys and girls, ages 8 through completion of high school. The Young Marines promotes the mental, moral, and physical development of its members. The program focuses on character building, leadership, and encourages a healthy, drug-free lifestyle; and

            Whereas, In 1965, the United States Marine Corps League officially chartered and created the national youth program known today as the Young Marines; and

            Whereas, The Young Marines is the focal point for the U.S. Marine Corps' Youth Drug Demand Reduction efforts; and

            Whereas, The mission of the Young Marines is to positively impact America's future by providing quality youth development programs for boys and girls that nurtures and develops its members into responsible citizens; and

            Whereas, The Young Marines is the proud four-time recipient of the U.S. Department of Defense's Fulcrum Shield Award for Excellence in Youth Anti-Drug Programs. The award recognizes military-affiliated youth organizations around the world that have made concerted efforts at spreading anti-drug messages throughout their communities; and

            Whereas, Since the Young Marines' humble beginnings in 1958, with one unit and a handful of boys, the organization has grown to over 300 units with 10,000 youth and 3,000 adult volunteers in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and affiliates in Germany, Japan, and a host of other countries; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body do hereby declare October 17, 2011, as Young Marines Day in Michigan. We thank this group of inspiring young boys and girls for dedicating their time to serve as role models for their peers; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to all of the Young Marines units throughout the state of Michigan as a token of our high esteem.