HJ24: Commending the Norfolk State University Spartan 'Legion' Marching Band.

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WHEREAS, the Norfolk State University Spartan ?Legion? Marching Band is recognized in 2010 for its many contributions to Norfolk State University, the Norfolk community, and the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the Norfolk State University Spartan ?Legion? Marching Band, under the direction of Dr. O'Neil Sanford, is known as one of the premier marching bands in the country; and

WHEREAS, the ?Legion? is comprised of over 250 talented and hard-working student musicians, dancers, and flag bearers, who come from across Virginia, the United States, the Virgin Islands, and the Bahamas; and

WHEREAS, memorable ?Legion? performances include the Barack Obama Presidential campaign rally in Norfolk in 2008; the Martin Luther King ?Drum Major for Justice? Parade in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 2006; the Mardi Gras Rex Parade in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2003; the Philadelphia Parade commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Constitution in 1987; the Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase in 2007 and 2008; and the Norfolk Grand Illumination Parade from 2006 through 2009; and

WHEREAS, the ?Legion? regularly performs at numerous collegiate venues, including Rutgers University, University of Kentucky, and Villanova University and events for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Conference, and the Colonial Conference; and

WHEREAS, the ?Legion? was the inaugural host of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Band Battlefest, which annually spotlights 10 outstanding HBCU marching bands; and

WHEREAS, the ?Legion? band leaders and members, parents, and supporters are an important and integral part of their community; and

WHEREAS, flash flooding in Norfolk on August 11, 2009, impacted the Norfolk State University campus and surrounding communities, leaving many motorists perilously stranded in floating or stalled vehicles; and

WHEREAS, the brave members of Norfolk State University?s ?Legion? risked their personal safety to rescue motorists on campus and along Corprew Avenue, helping greatly to minimize injuries and property loss; and

WHEREAS, ?Legion? members' heroic acts, good citizenship, discipline, and ?Spartan-like? character pay tribute to Norfolk State University?s 75-year tradition of preparing students for futures of professional, civic, and social leadership in a global society; and

WHEREAS, the ?Legion? Marching Band is enthusiastically supported by the faculty, staff, students, and alumni of Norfolk State University, under the leadership of President Carolyn W. Meyers, Ph.D., perpetuating a university legacy of transformation and growth of people and programs on campus and in the community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend and congratulate the Norfolk State University Spartan ?Legion? Marching Band for its many contributions to Norfolk State University, the Norfolk community, and the Commonwealth; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Norfolk State University Spartan ?Legion? Marching Band as an expression of the General Assembly?s appreciation of the ?Legion?s? many accomplishments.

WHEREAS, the Norfolk State University Spartan Legion Marching Band is recognized in 2010 for its many contributions to Norfolk State University, the Norfolk community, and the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the Norfolk State University Spartan “Legion” Marching Band, under the direction of Dr. O'Neil Sanford, is known as one of the premier marching bands in the country; and

WHEREAS, the Legion is comprised of over 250 talented and hard-working student musicians, dancers, and flag bearers, who come from across Virginia, the United States, the Virgin Islands, and the Bahamas; and

WHEREAS, memorable Legion performances include the Barack Obama Presidential campaign rally in Norfolk in 2008; the Martin Luther King “Drum Major for Justice” Parade in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 2006; the Mardi Gras Rex Parade in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2003; the Philadelphia Parade commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Constitution in 1987; the Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase in 2007 and 2008; and the Norfolk Grand Illumination Parade from 2006 through 2009; and

WHEREAS, the Legion also regularly performs at numerous collegiate venues, including at Rutgers University, University of Kentucky, and Villanova University and events for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Conference, and the Colonial Conference; and

WHEREAS, the Legion was also the inaugural host of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Band Battlefest, which annually spotlights 10 outstanding HBCU marching bands; and

WHEREAS, the Legion band leaders and members, parents, and supporters are an important and integral part of their community; and

WHEREAS, flash flooding in Norfolk on August 11, 2009, impacted the Norfolk State University campus and surrounding communities, leaving many motorists perilously stranded in floating or stalled vehicles; and

WHEREAS, the brave members of Norfolk State University’s Legion risked their personal safety to rescue motorists on campus and along Corprew Avenue, helping greatly to minimize injuries and property loss; and

WHEREAS, Legion members' heroic acts, good citizenship, discipline, and “Spartan-like” character pay tribute to Norfolk State University’s 75-year tradition of preparing students for futures of professional, civic, and social leadership in a global society; and

WHEREAS, the Legion Marching Band is enthusiastically supported by the faculty, staff, students, and alumni of Norfolk State University, under the leadership of President Carolyn W. Meyers, Ph.D., perpetuating a university legacy of transformation and growth of people and programs on campus and in the community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend and congratulate the Norfolk State University Spartan Legion Marching Band for its many contributions to Norfolk State University, the Norfolk community, and the Commonwealth; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Norfolk State University Spartan Legion Marching Band as an expression of the General Assembly’s appreciation of the Legion’s many accomplishments.