1884                                       JOINT RESOLUTIONS

Approved May 21, 1973.

No. 55
(House Joint Resolution 69)

House Joint Resolution congratulating and commending James E. Lewis.
Chairman of the Art Department at Morgan State College and creator of the
Black Soldier Memorial Statue in Monument Square in Baltimore, on receiving
the Department of the Army's highest civilian award, the "Certificate of
Appreciation for Patriotic Service" and a "Certificate of Achievement" from
the United States First Army.

WHEREAS, James E. Lewis, Chairman of the Art Department at Morgan
State College has created a magnificent 13 foot statue, sculptured in bronze and
standing in Monument Square, Baltimore; and

WHEREAS, The statue was created by Mr. Lewis to honor the participation of
the black soldier in the various wars and conflicts throughout the country's history;
and

WHEREAS, During the formal military ceremony presided over by Morgan
State President, King V. Cheek, Colonel Clarence M. Hurtt and Lt. Col. John H.
Branch, Jr., Mr. Lewis was presented the Department of the Army's highest
civilian award, the "Certificate of Appreciation for Patriotic Service"; and

WHEREAS, The certificate read in part that "you have rendered exceptionally
patriotic civilian service through your sculpture of the magnificent bronze statue
"The Black Soldier" which was unveiled and presented to the City on June 12,
1972"; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Lewis was lauded for his great sensitivity and professional
competence and splendid tribute to the black soldier; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Lewis' efforts have contributed immeasurably to improvement
of relations between the military and civilian community and have greatly
enhanced the military image and prestige in our nation; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Lewis has also received a "Certificate of Achievement" from
the United States First Army which expresses appreciation for his contribution in
the furtherance of proper recognition due the American Black Soldier in the
defense of his country; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That
James E. Lewis be congratulated and commended on receiving the Army's highest
civilian award "The Certificate of Appreciation for Patriotic Service" and upon
receiving a "Certificate of Achievement" from the United States First Army; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to James E. Lewis,
Morgan State College, Baltimore, Maryland.

Approved May 21, 1973.