1.1A resolution
1.2expressing the sense of the Minnesota Senate supporting the need for suitable
1.3accommodations for the Fort Snelling National Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad.
1.4WHEREAS, the Fort Snelling National Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad was founded in
1.51979 to provide military honors at the burial of a veteran in Fort Snelling National Cemetery; and
1.6WHEREAS, since 1979, the Memorial Rifle Squad veteran volunteers have selflessly
1.7performed these honors each day of the week if requested by the veteran's family and authorized
1.8by the cemetery despite weather conditions or other difficulties. As of this date, over 85,000 such
1.9Honor Services have been performed at the cemetery by the volunteer Memorial Rifle Squad at no
1.10cost to the veteran's family or the citizens of the United States; and
1.11WHEREAS, each day of the week that the cemetery is operational, the Memorial Rifle Squad,
1.12composed of up to 25 members per day, provide up to 17 Honor Services for the veteran's burial
1.13at the cemetery; and
1.14WHEREAS, the Memorial Rifle Squad provides these honors year round in Minnesota, and
1.15the squad needs suitable housing to prepare for the day's burials. Preparation for the burials begins
1.16at 6:30 a.m. and clean up and closure of the quarters occurs at 2:30 p.m. To properly accommodate
1.17the squad members personal needs, rifles, and other uniforms and equipment, the squad needs
1.18expanded quarters on the grounds of the cemetery; and
1.19WHEREAS, the present Memorial Rifle Squad quarters are inadequate in size and available
1.20functions; NOW, THEREFORE,
1.21BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the state of Minnesota supports the Fort Snelling
1.22National Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad in its efforts to acquire suitable accommodations for its
1.23members as they perform this valuable service for our veterans and their families.