At the urging of District 17 State Senator Rob Marionneaux (D-Livonia), the Louisiana Senate will dedicate a portion of each legislative day during the 2005 Regular Session to recognize and honor those Louisianians serving in the U.S. military who have sacrificed their lives in defense of our freedoms in Afghanistan and Iraq. Sen. Marionneaux introduced a series of resolutions honoring and remembering each of the 44 fallen heroes and the enormous sacrifices made by their families for the state and the nation.

"It is important that we in state government formally recognize and acknowledge what these brave Louisianians have done to preserve our free society, to enhance our safety and to promote peace in the world," Sen. Marionneaux said. "It is important that their families know that we have not forgotten and are sensitive to their needs. I hope these resolutions to be adopted by the Senate send that message."

Senators began consideration of the resolutions honoring the fallen heroes during deliberations Tuesday, April 26 with the adoption of Senate Resolution 14, a resolution honoring and remembering United States Army National Guard Sergeant Isiah J. Sinclair. Sergeant Sinclair lost his life while fighting terrorist forces in Iraq. At least one of the resolutions honoring our fallen heroes will be read each day. All senators are supporting Sen. Marionneaux’s resolutions.

"As Senate President I want to thank Sen. Marionneaux for taking the time and making the extra effort to recognize those who have made the supreme sacrifice. All of us in the Senate appreciate his efforts," Senate President Hines said.

Sen. Marionneaux, like many other citizens across Louisiana, has a special appreciation of the sacrifices made by the men and women serving in the U.S. military and their families. His nephew is currently serving our country in Baghdad as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

To learn more about the resolutions honoring Louisiana’s fallen heroes go to http://senate.la.gov/ . A copy of each resolution will be mailed to the soldier’s family.

-30-