HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 88 Offered January 11, 2006 Prefiled January 10, 2006 Commending Emerson H. Gilmer. ---------- Patron— Ware, O.; Senator Bell ----------

WHEREAS, Emerson H. Gilmer, community benefactor and respected citizen, is recognized for his outstanding service to the City of Salem; and

WHEREAS, Emerson Gilmer retired after 31 years as the chief steward of the American Federation of Government Employees, Veterans Administration; and

WHEREAS, an articulate speaker and recognized nationally for his superb leadership, Emerson Gilmer contributed his time and immense talent to the Voluntary Community Healthcare Service program for more than 33 years; and

WHEREAS, Emerson Gilmer has made a significant difference in the lives of numerous Salem young people as the youth football coach for the Carver Touchdown Club throughout the 1960s and 1970s; and

WHEREAS, a great supporter of civic concerns and always first to help his neighbors, Emerson Gilmer was an active member of the Community Awareness Council for nearly 20 years and led the Salem Neighborhood Watch program from 2002 to 2004; and

WHEREAS, Emerson Gilmer was honored with the distinguished J. C. Penney Golden Rule Award for his tireless commitment to the Salem community; and

WHEREAS, Emerson Gilmer is affectionately known as a father of the community and is greatly admired for his kindness and selfless devotion to the residents of Salem, especially its young people; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend Emerson H. Gilmer for his outstanding community service; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Emerson H. Gilmer as an expression of the General Assembly’s gratitude for his commitment to the citizens of the City of Salem.