HR1496: HR1496 Nichols, Robert Elmo, Sr.; honoring the life and legacy; condolences

This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives recognizes the life of Robert Elmo Nichols, Sr., who was born in 1923 and became one of the Montford Point Marines, the first African Americans allowed to serve in the United States Marine Corps after a 1942 directive from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It recounts his military service in World War II, his later education and commission as an Army Reserve officer, his career as a teacher and 34 years at the Norfolk Naval Supply Center, and his 2011 Congressional Gold Medal. The resolution does not change any Georgia law. It formally states that the House joins in honoring his life and legacy and expresses condolences on his passing, and it directs the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to his family.

• Formally states that the members of the Georgia House of Representatives honor the life and legacy of Robert Elmo Nichols, Sr.
• Expresses the House's condolences and regret over his passing.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to his family.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory requirement, since it is a commemorative resolution rather than legislation.

This resolution directly affects the family of Robert Elmo Nichols, Sr., who will receive an official copy, and reflects the collective statement of the members of the Georgia House of Representatives; it does not impose obligations on the public.

While the resolution carries no legal or regulatory effect, it provides an official public record from the Georgia House of Representatives recognizing Nichols's military service as a Montford Point Marine and his career, and offers his family formal recognition and condolences from the state legislature.

• The whereas clauses recount Nichols's birth in 1923, his service as a Montford Point Marine in the 54th Defense Battalion, his education, Army Reserve career, and 34 years at the Norfolk Naval Supply Center.
• The resolved clause has the House join in honoring his life and legacy and express regret at his passing.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to make a copy available for distribution to his family.

1. 2026-02-25House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-02-25House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-02-25House Hopper (House)

• Eric Bell (D, HD-075)Primary sponsor
• Angela Moore (D, HD-091)
• Dexter Sharper (D, HD-177)
• Gabriel Sanchez (D, HD-042)
• Dewey McClain (D, HD-109)

• commemorative resolution
• military history
• Montford Point Marines
• Georgia House of Representatives