Bill Text: SC H3218 | 2013-2014 | 120th General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: United States Navy Seal Benjamin Smith
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 77-46)
Status: (Passed) 2013-01-08 - Introduced and adopted [H3218 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2013-H3218-Introduced.html
A HOUSE RESOLUTION
TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR FORMER UNITED STATES NAVY SEAL BENJAMIN SMITH FOR HIS COMMITMENT TO THE SUPPORT AND DEFENSE OF THE INTEGRITY OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION, AND TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND APPRECIATION OF A GRATEFUL STATE FOR HIS YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE.
Whereas, with deep appreciation, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives honor, on behalf of all South Carolinians, the great sacrifice that the men and women of the United States Armed Forces make for the ideals of liberty and justice so richly enjoyed in this nation; and
Whereas, a native of the New Jersey mountains, Benjamin's family grounded him in traditional American values including the importance of a strong work ethic and service to one's family, God, and nation. He developed an affinity for military pursuits, but put them on hold to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a decathlete on the track team. After working with his parents for a few years, Benjamin's father developed leukemia and urged him to set out on his own path in life. The moment had come for Benjamin to pursue his interest in military service and to take his commitment to traditional American values to a higher level; and
Whereas, Benjamin joined the Navy in 2000, subsequently becoming a member of the elite Navy Seals. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 gave rise to Benjamin's realization that his life's path had taken him to his present place in the armed forces so that he would be able to uniquely serve his nation in that historic moment of unparalleled need. In his six years of Naval service, Benjamin defended American values through deployment in South America, Africa, and Iraq; and
Whereas, in becoming a Navy Seal, Smith took an oath to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic," a commitment he has steadfastly honored during his military tenure and in the years since; and
Whereas, in furtherance of this solemn commitment and his dedication to traditional American values, Benjamin Smith continues to defend the Constitution against efforts to interpret it in a manner inconsistent with its original intent. He also works with Move America Forward, an organization dedicated to supporting American military troops fighting the global war on terror; and
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is deeply grateful for the service that Benjamin Smith has given to protect the citizens and traditional values of the this nation. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor former United States Navy SEAL Benjamin Smith for his commitment to the support and defense of the integrity of the United States Constitution, and to express the profound appreciation of a grateful state for his years of military service.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Benjamin Smith.
