HR2003: HR2003 Pender, Captain Dr. Melvin; commend

26 LC 112 4145 House Resolution 2003 By: Representatives Cummings of the 39th and Mitchell of the 88th A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Captain Dr. Melvin Pender; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, Captain Dr. Mel Pende r Jr. has distinguis hed himself t hrough a lifetime of2 achievement as a decorated military officer, world-class athlet e, author, and civil rights3 advocate whose accomplishments have brought honor to the State of Georgia and the United4 States; and5 WHEREAS, known to many as Mel, he first represented the United States at the 1964 Tokyo6 Olympics, where he demonstrated the discipline, courage, and dr ive that would define his7 career both on and off the track; and8 WHEREAS, he performed thereafter at the 1968 Mexico City Olympi c Games, earning a9 gold medal through his remarkable speed and skill while serving as a combat soldier in the10 Vietnam War, for which he received the Bronze Star; and11 WHEREAS, nicknamed the "Black Knight" in the track world, Captain Dr. Mel Pender Jr.12 earned admiration not only for his record-setting performances but also for his mentorship,13 humility, and compassion; and14 H. R. 2003 - 1 - 26 LC 112 4145 WHEREAS, his honors further include induction into multiple Hal ls of Fame, such as the15 Officers' Candidate School Hall of Fame, the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame, the16 Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, and the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame; and17 WHEREAS, this distinguished gentleman has given inspiration to many through his high18 ideals, morals, and deep concern for his fellow citizens, and he possesses the vast wisdom19 which only comes through experience and the strength of charact er which is achieved20 through overcoming the many challenges of life; and21 WHEREAS, Captain Dr. Mel Pender Jr. is a person of magnanimous strengths with an22 unimpeachable reputation for integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness; and23 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this24 remarkable and distinguished individual be appropriately honored.25 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that26 the members of this body recognize and commend Captain Dr. Mel Pender Jr. for his many27 exceptional lifetime achievements as well as extend the most si ncere best wishes for28 continued health and happiness.29 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized30 and directed to make an appr opriate copy of t his resolution ava ilable for distribution to31 Captain Dr. Mel Pender Jr.32 H. R. 2003 - 2 -