(Austin, TX) —This morning, the Texas Senate and the House of Representatives, held a special joint memorial session in honor of Memorial Day to read Joint Resolution 163. The Resolution honors those members of the military forces who have died in the service of this country, especially those Texans killed while serving in the global war against terrorism. Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, a Vietnam veteran, released the following statement.

"This year, the last day of the Legislative Session will end on Memorial Day. We dedicate this morning's joint memorial session to the honor of the brave soldiers and families who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

"For their valor and courage to fight for our freedom, we admire them and look for ways to recognize their selfless contribution. Memorial Day is a special occasion to honor those who gave their life for our country and for our way of life.

"Young men and women have served our country with pride and it's important that during these last remaining hours of the session we remember the reason why we are here in the capitol. We are here to serve the people of this great state as selflessly and unconditionally as our soldiers surrendered their lives for ours.

"To end with a quote from Shakespeare: 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for whoever has shed his blood with me shall be my brother.' Semper Fidelis."

Particularly dedicated to Lance Cpl. Jose Luis Maldonado from Mathis, 21, who died December 17 during combat in Afghanistan and Marine Pfc. Colton Rusk 20, who died December 5 in Afghanistan. Also dedicated to Lance Cpl. Justin Rokohl, from the Corpus Christi area that walked 4.89 miles in prosthetics in memory of his friend and fellow Marine Pfc. Colton Rusk even though his legs could suffer extensive damage, and Edinburg native Sgt. Jacob de la Garza, 28, who was recently injured in Afghanistan.

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