GEORGIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
ROOM 505, LOB 30334
404-656-5082     1-800-282-5800

Daily Report Number 09
January 30, 2004

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Fridays are traditionally lighter workdays in the House. Therefore members like to use Fridays to invite local men and women from the community whose outstanding achievement and/or sacrifice have merited the recognition of the Georgia General Assembly.

Today’s session brought a very special guest. Every member of the Georgia House, regardless of background, beliefs, or party affiliation holds the deepest and utmost respect for the men and women who serve our country in the armed services. The courage, sacrifice and commitment displayed by our men and women in uniform will always bring forth recognition and sincere gratitude from the House of Representatives. House members showed that gratitude this morning as they extended a heartfelt welcome home to Georgia’s own Sergeant Major Michael Henry Duke who is just returning from the war in Iraq.

House members honored Sergeant Major Duke with a resolution recognizing him as one of Georgia’s most experienced, distinguished, and decorated soldiers and native sons. He is a three-time recipient of the Bronze Star. Also among his achievements are the Legion of Merit and Defense Meritorious Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, four Army Commendation Medals and six Army Achievement Medals, just to name a few.

Sergeant Major Duke has served our country in three Iraqi missions. He has also served in the solemn roles of Commander of Relief and Sergeant of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In keeping with the spirit of the Unknown Soldier, Sergeant Major Duke thanked House members for the honor and the welcome, but asked them to please continue in their support and prayers for the men and women who are still in harm’s way in Iraq.

Lawmakers will be in recess over the weekend, but will return on Monday, February 2, 2004 for the tenth legislative day.

Georgia House of Representatives
Public Information Office

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