Senate Resolution 15


STATE OF OKLAHOMA

1st Session of the 48th Legislature (2001)

SENATE RESOLUTION 15
By: Wilkerson


AS INTRODUCED
A Resolution praising the valor and tenacity of the members of the 45th Infantry Division; thanking the citizens and officials of Fremifontaine, France, for honoring the soldiers of Oklahoma's 45th Infantry Division; and directing distribution.


WHEREAS, the people of a small French village, Fremifontaine, on the Mortagne River in the Vosges Region, have erected a monument to honor the soldiers of the 45th Division and their sacrifices in this area during World War II. Units of the 45th Division fought in the village territory for over three weeks. Over 100 members of the 45th lost their lives to obtain this objective. The first houses were liberated on September 30, 1944, and it wasn't until October 23, 1944, that the last of the enemy was dislodged; and

WHEREAS, the citizens and officials of Fremifontaine have not forgotten this struggle and want the world to know that many young Americans gave their lives for the liberation of the village. The monument was inaugurated in October of 1999. The Mayor and County Council members donated substantial funds for this project. The inscription engraved on the monument reminds future generations that many young Americans of the 45th Division lost their lives in the area during the battle around the Mortagne River to regain freedom for the inhabitants of the village; and

WHEREAS, to quote an English translation of the bronze plaque on the stone monument, "Fremifontaine to its Liberators: American Soldiers of the 45th Infantry Division who Fought here from 30 Sept to 20 Oct 1944 to Liberate the Village in one of the Most Severe battles in the Vosges Mountains. More than 100 of Them Gave Their Lives. Passer-by Remember"; and

WHEREAS, while many officials and citizens of Fremifontaine, France, have graciously donated towards the monument as did the Fremifontaine Veterans Association which sponsored the project, the point of contact was Roland B. Prieur, Superintendent of the Epinal American Cemetery, who acted as Project Director.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE 1ST SESSION OF THE 48TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:

THAT the Oklahoma State Senate praises the valor and tenacity of the members of the 45th Infantry Division who in 1944 battled the enemy for nearly three weeks in one of the most severely fought battles in the Vosges Mountains in France.

THAT the Oklahoma State Senate thanks the citizens and officials of Fremifontaine, France, as well as the Fremifontaine Veterans Association for honoring the soldiers of Oklahoma's 45th Infantry Division.

THAT a copy of this resolution be distributed to the President of the 180th Infantry Regiment Association on behalf of his Association; to Roland B. Prieur, Superintendent of the Epinal American Cemetery in Dinoze, France; to Norman Lamb, Cabinet Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and to the 45th Infantry Museum for prominent display.

Adopted by the Senate the 14th day of May, 2001.


Presiding Officer of the Senate

(Quelle: Senat von Oklahoma)

Letzte Änderung am Samstag, 20. Oktober 2001.