Bill Text: MS HC50 | 2018 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Reverend Rodney Duke; commend for service in United States Navy and as a minister of the Methodist faith.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2018-02-09 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HC50 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2018-HC50-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2018 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Sanford
House Concurrent Resolution 50
(As Adopted by House and Senate)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE COURAGE AND BRAVERY OF REVEREND RODNEY DUKE AND COMMENDING HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY, AND HIS SERVICE AS A MINISTER OF THE METHODIST FAITH.
WHEREAS, Reverend Rodney Duke has distinguished himself as both a minister of the Methodist faith, and as a fearless serviceman during his assignment on the U.S.S. Pueblo in the United States Navy; and
WHEREAS, born in Alabama on November 2, 1942, Reverend Duke, the only son of a Baptist minister, was one of seven children; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Duke moved with his family to Mississippi at the age of 19, and he graduated from Hinds Junior College with a degree in electronics; and
WHEREAS, after enlisting in the United States Navy in 1965, Reverend Duke was trained as a communications technician, and was one of 82 men assigned to the U.S.S. Pueblo, an electronic intelligence gathering ship; and
WHEREAS, on January 23, 1968, during Reverend Duke's first patrol of the ship, the U.S.S. Pueblo was attacked by North Korean forces, with one of the crewmembers perishing during the attack; and
WHEREAS, for over two hours, the U.S.S. Pueblo stealthily maneuvered to prevent the North Koreans from invading the ship; nevertheless, Reverend Duke and his 80 remaining crewmates were captured by North Korean Communist forces; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Duke and his crewmates were held as prisoners of the North Korean Communist forces for 11 brutal and excruciatingly difficult months; and
WHEREAS, while a prisoner of the North Koreans, Reverend Duke endured cruel, physically abusive and tortuous treatment, which left him with permanent disabilities; and
WHEREAS, during his capture, Reverend Duke resolved that if he were to survive and gain his freedom from the North Koreans, upon returning home, he would become a minister, and from that time, he steadfastly served his fellow prisoners to the best of his abilities; and
WHEREAS, on December 23, 1968, exactly 11 months from the date of being captured as prisoners, Reverend Duke and his crewmates were released by the North Korean Communist forces; and
WHEREAS, after returning home to Mississippi, Reverend Duke became a minister in the Methodist Church, just as he had decided during his time as a prisoner of the North Koreans, and he married the former Alice Chesser of Jackson, Mississippi, and they are the parents of two sons; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Duke also resumed his education, returning to Hinds Junior College for a year, attending Millsaps College, and subsequently attending Belhaven College, where he ultimately earned his bachelor's degree; and
WHEREAS, a priceless contributor to his community, Reverend Duke has served for several decades as a pastor of the Methodist faith in numerous cities throughout Mississippi, and now resides in Collins, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Duke's enduring courage, bravery and tenacity reflect and uphold the noble traditions of the United States Navy, and his unwavering faith and conviction reflect and uphold the beliefs of the Methodist faith; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to honor heroic Mississippians such as Reverend Rodney Duke for his dauntless fortitude and his remarkable dedication to the United States of America and the people of the State of Mississippi, who are eternally appreciative, for without people like Reverend Duke, the freedom they know and love would not be possible:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize the courage and bravery of Reverend Rodney Duke and commend his distinguished service in the United States Navy, and his service as a minister of the Methodist faith, on behalf of this great nation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Reverend Rodney Duke and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
