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

26 LC 129 1269 House Resolution 1496 By: Representatives Bell of the 75th, Moore of the 91st, Sharper of the 177th, Sanchez of the 42nd, and McClain of the 109th A RESOLUTION Honoring the life and legacy of Robert Elmo Nichols, Sr.; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, from 1798 until 1942, African Americans were denied the opportunity to serve2 in the United States Marine Corps; and3 WHEREAS, in 1942, under a presidential directive issued by Franklin D. Roosevelt, African4 American men were finally allowed to enlist in the Marine Corps, becoming known as the5 Montford Point Marines-the first Black Marines in American history; and6 WHEREAS, Robert Elmo Nichols, Sr. was born on September 23, 192 3, in Norfolk,7 Virginia, to the late Jeffrey Napoleon Nichols and Maggie Sykes Nichols; and8 WHEREAS, a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, Class of 1943, Robert,9 affectionately known as "Elmo," answered the call to serve his country during World War10 II and became one of the pioneering African Americans recruited into the Marine Corps; and11 WHEREAS, he was assigned to the 54th Defense Battalion at Montford Point, the segregated12 training facility established for Black Marine recruits in Jacksonville, North Carolina; and13 H. R. 1496 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1269 WHEREAS, following his honorable service in World War II, Robert continued his pursuit14 of excellence by attending Virginia State College, where he ear ned a degree in Business15 Administration and received his commission as a Second Lieutena nt in the United States16 Army Reserve through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps; and17 WHEREAS, while serving as an elementary school teacher, he continued his distinguished18 military career and ultimately retired from the Army Reserve wi th the rank of Lieutenant19 Colonel; and20 WHEREAS, Robert further devoted 34 years of service to the Norfolk Naval Supply Center,21 exemplifying dedication, professionalism, and commitment to public service; and22 WHEREAS, in 2011, Robert Elmo Nichols, Sr., along with his fell ow Montford Point23 Marines, received the Congressional Gold Medal in Washington, D .C., a long-overdue24 national recognition of their courage, sacrifice, and historic role in reshaping the United25 States military; and26 WHEREAS, Robert E. Nichols, Sr.'s life stands as a testament to perseverance, leadership,27 integrity, and trailblazing service that helped break racial barriers and pave the way for future28 generations of Marines and service members.29 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that30 the members of this body join in honoring the life and legacy of Robert Elmo Nichols, Sr.,31 and express their deepest and most sincere regret at his passing.32 H. R. 1496 - 2 - 26 LC 129 1269 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized33 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the34 family of Robert Elmo Nichols, Sr.35 H. R. 1496 - 3 -