Oklahoma
State Senate
OFFICE OF SENATOR JAY PAUL GUMM
Atoka, Bryan, Coal, Johnston & Marshall Counties
For Immediate Release: March 3, 2009
Sen. Jay Paul Gumm
Senate Approves Legislation Honoring Soldiers
Lost in War on Terror
The Oklahoma Senate has unanimously approved legislation
designed to honor Oklahomans who pay the ultimate price in the
War on Terror.
Senator Jay
Paul Gumm is the author of Senate Bill 712, would require
the governor to order flags on state property to be flown at half-staff
on the day of the memorial service for Oklahomans who are killed
in combat. The measure was approved Tuesday.
Gumm, a Democrat from Durant, said the SB 712 was a request from
a former Senate Page. “Sgt. Todd Anderson of Tishomingo
was a Senate Page for me in 2003, and he’s the one who suggested
Oklahoma should honor those who give ‘the last full measure
of devotion’,” Gumm said.
“This is a common sense suggestion from one of America’s
best. I am grateful to Sergeant Anderson for suggesting it, and
to my colleagues for unanimously supporting it.”
Gumm said as the events of September 11th, 2001, fall farther
into the past, and the national and international media focuses
more on the global economic situation, citizens are receiving
less news about the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“It is important to remember that we still have young men
and women from Oklahoma who are in harm’s way, fighting
in defense of freedom,” he said. “We should pray for
their safety and protection daily. For those who give all to protect
our freedom, we must honor their sacrifice, and Senate Bill 712
is a great way to do that.”
SB 712 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
For more information contact:
Sen. Gumm's Office: 405-521-5586
