RESOLUTION No. 35301

Adopt a resolution to welcome home Portland-based Oregon National Guard (Resolution)

WHEREAS, since 2003, many Oregon National Guard members and other Armed Services from the City of Portland have been serving with courage and dedication in the conflict in Iraq;

WHEREAS, these Oregon National Guard members and other soldiers are our sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, neighbors, and friends;

WHEREAS, a major contingent of Oregon National Guard members returned home from Iraq on March 25, 2005;

WHEREAS, we recognize the stress and turmoil Portland families had to endure while their relatives and friends were serving in Iraq;

WHEREAS, we offer our community support to those members of the Oregon National Guard and other Armed Services members who are returning home after a year or more of duty in Iraq;

WHEREAS, while opinions differ on the merits of the United States waging war in Iraq without the sanction of the United Nations, we urge support of the Oregon National Guard and other Armed Services assigned to duty in Iraq, as well as their families;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Portland City Commission hereby officially welcomes home and honors all Portland –based soldiers from the conflict in Iraq;

THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we urge all citizens of Portland to support the successful reentry of soldiers into civilian life by allowing them to return to their jobs and providing educational opportunities;

Adopted by Council: March 30, 2005      GARY BLACKMER

               Auditor of the City of Portland

               By /S/ Colleen Phillips

Commissioner Sam Adams          

Prepared by: Jane Ames, Maria Thi Mai, Gordon Johnston

March 29, 2005

BACKING SHEET INFORMATION

AGENDA NO. 272-1-2005

ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION/COUNCIL DOCUMENT NO. 36301