SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 16
	WHEREAS, In June 1944, the members of the 101st Airborne
	Division demonstrated exceptional courage when their actions
	helped clear the way for the arrival of Allied forces on Normandy
	beaches during World War II; and
	WHEREAS, On June 5, more than 6,500 paratroopers of the 101st
	division spearheaded the start of the U.S. airborne assault on the
	Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy, France; specifically, they carried
	out the mission of securing four causeways leading inland and
	neutralizing enemy resistance in advance of the amphibious landings
	by the U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division the next morning; and
	WHEREAS, Before dawn on June 6, the 502nd Parachute Infantry
	Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division attacked and captured a
	German garrison headquarters site at Marmion Farm, on the outskirts
	of the Ravenoville village; under the direction of Major
	John P. Stopka, the regiment took control of the site, denying
	enemy movement against the northern shoulder of the 101st assault
	area and the critical exits at Utah Beach; the paratroopers held
	their posts until the early morning of June 7, when they were
	relieved by lead elements of the 4th Infantry Division; and
	WHEREAS, On June 6, 2012, the Eternal Heroes Memorial was
	dedicated in Ravenoville in honor of the "Raveno Boys," whose
	heroic stand contributed to the success of the Allied landings on
	Utah Beach and ultimately the D-Day invasion of Normandy; counted
	among the Raveno Boys were nine Texans:  Ollie E. Barrington Jr. and
	George W. Blackburn of Harris County, Justo Correa of Dimmit
	County, Homer R. Estes of Stephens County, Leon Jackson of Hidalgo
	County, and James R. Kumler, Joel R. Lander, Worster M. Morgan, and
	Luther M. Tillery of Dallas County; and
	WHEREAS, The Raveno Boys displayed extraordinary bravery
	in the line of duty, and Americans owe a profound debt of
	gratitude to these paratroopers and to all members of the U.S.
	armed forces who so valiantly served during World War II; now,
	therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
	Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby recognize June 6 and 7,
	2024, as Eternal Heroes Memorial Days in honor of the Texas
	Raveno Boys.
	Hughes
		________________________________
		President of the Senate
		I hereby certify that the
		above Resolution was adopted by
		the Senate on November 16, 2023.
		________________________________
		Secretary of the Senate
		________________________________
		Member, Texas Senate