THE STAR DAY 2016 REPORT

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1 FEBRUARY 19, 1846-THURSDAY-12 NOON-AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS THE INAUGURATION OF JAMES PINCKNEY HENDERSON ( ) FIRST GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF TEXAS THE SPIRIT OF STAR DAY 2016 CELEBRATION CONDUCTED ON STAR DAY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2016, BEGINNING AT 2:00PM TO CELEBRATE THE 170TH BIRTHDAY OF THE STATE OF TEXAS ON IWO JIMA DAY AT THE MARINE MILITARY ACADEMY IN HARLINGEN,TEXAS THE STAR DAY 2016 REPORT

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FEBRUARY 19, 2016-MARINE MILITARY ACADEMY (MMA)-The STAR DAY Foundation President Dennis M. Kulvicki (right) visits with MMA Superintendent Col. R. Glenn Hill, USMC (Ret.

Hill a commemorative letter issued by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Corps General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr.

4 FEBRUARY 19, 2016-MARINE MILITARY ACADEMY (MMA)-The STAR DAY Foundation President Dennis M. Kulvicki (right) visits with MMA Superintendent Col. R. Glenn Hill, USMC (Ret.) to make an important presentation before The Spirit of STAR DAY 2016 Celebration event was conducted. Kulvicki had the high honor of presenting to Col. Hill a commemorative letter issued by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Corps General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. honoring and recognizing the 50th anniversary ( ) of the founding of MMA by Captain William Bill Gary ( ). The letter is posted in APPENDIX 1. USMC Captain William Bill Gary ( ) was nominated for induction into The First Pioneers and Leaders of the State (PALS) of Texas Hall of Honor by The Texas Military Student Study Group sponsored by The STAR DAY Foundation. USMC Captain William Bill Gary ( ) Induction Story Bookmark is featured in APPENDIX 2. 4

5 THE SPIRIT OF STAR DAY 2016 CELEBRATION THE PROGRAM THE INTRODUCTION The Marine Military Academy Superintendent Col Robert G. Hill THE IWO JIMA DAY POSTING OF THE COLORS The Marine Military Academy Color Guard The Marine Military Academy Band THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES The Marine Military Academy Battalion Commander, C/LtCol Jack Newbury THE NATIONAL ANTHEM The Marine Military Academy Band THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE STATE OF TEXAS Wilson County Floresville High School Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet Erik Kilrease TEXAS OUR TEXAS The Wilson County Floresville High School Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet Chorale THE INVOCATION The Marine Military Academy Chaplain, Chaplain Chris Elliott THE OPENING REMARKS City of Harlingen Mayor, The Honorable Chris Boswell THE ADDRESSES, LETTERS AND PROCLAMATION Governor Greg Abbott-Address to be read by a MMA Cadet Chukwuemeka Atuna Governor Greg Abbott-Proclamation-to be read by a MMA Cadet Brooks Dickerson First Lady Cecilia Abbott-Letter to be read by a Floresville High School Student Lorena Travino Lt. Governor Dan Patrick-Address to be read by a MMA Cadet Grant Meisner-Moore Speaker of the House Joe Straus-Letter to be read by Floresville High School Student General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr.-Address to be read by MMA Cadet Chaunce Lee 5

6 THE IWO JIMA DAY SENATE BILL 961PRESENTATION The STAR DAY Foundation President Dennis M. Kulvicki representing State Senator Jose Rodriguez presented THE IWO JIMA DAY SENATE BILL 961 to Marine Military Academy Superintendent Col Robert G. Hill. THE SPIRIT OF STAR DAY 2016 SERVICE ACHIEVEMENT OF MERIT (SAM) AWARD The STAR DAY Foundation President Dennis M. Kulvicki-SAM AWARD Presentation Recipient-Tambria Read, Wilson County Floresville High School Teacher Recipient Remarks THE FIRST PALS OF TEXAS HALL OF HONOR 2016 INDUCTEES The STAR DAY Foundation President Dennis M. Kulvicki-Remarks and Introductions Captain William Bill Gary ( )-Remarks by MMA Superintendent Col Robert G. Hill Colonel Thomas Claiborne Frost ( )-Remarks by Frost Bank (Valley) President Raymond Jenkins Admiral Chester William Nimitz ( )-Introduction by Dennis M. Kulvicki Annie Webb Blanton ( )-Introduction by Dennis M. Kulvicki Bessie Coleman ( )-Introduction by Dennis M. Kulvicki General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (Honorary)-Introduction by Dennis M. Kulvicki Michael L. Williams (Living)-Introduction by Dennis M. Kulvicki THE STAR DAY 2016 SCHOOL CHOIR PERFORMANCE The Wilson County Floresville High School Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet Chorale THE CLOSING REMARKS The Marine Military Academy Superintendent, Col Robert G. Hill THE BENEDICTION The Marine Military Academy Chaplain, Chaplain Chris Elliott THE STAR DAY 2016 SCHOOL BAND PERFORMANCE The Marine Military Academy Band NOTE: The Celebration of the 170th anniversary of the birthday of the State of Texas shall be conducted at the Marine Military Academy (MMA) in Harlingen, Texas on STAR DAY, Friday, February 19, 2016 on IWO JIMA DAY in Texas beginning at 2:00pm. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Dennis M. Kulvicki President The STAR DAY Foundation P. O. Box El Paso, Texas (915)

7 THE SPIRIT OF STAR DAY 2016 CELEBRATION THE MMA PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTION PHOTOGRAPH 1: MMA Superintendent Col. R. Glenn Hill, USMC (Ret.) presents opening remarks at The Spirit of STAR DAY 2016 Celebration on IWO JIMA DAY in Texas. 7

8 PHOTOGRAPH 2: MMA Commandant Sgt.Maj. Ford Kinsley, USMC (Ret.) provided leadership in making the STAR DAY event and the IWO JIMA DAY Parade a great success. 8

9 PHOTOGRAPH 3: THE IWO JIMA DAY POSTING OF THE COLORS by the MMA Color Guard with musical presentation by the MMA Band under the leadership of MMA Bandmaster CWO3 Edward Harris, USMC (Ret.) 9

10 PHOTOGRAPH 4: Attendees awaiting the IWO JIMA Day Posting of the Colors Ceremony and the Pledges of Allegiances. Front Row: (From Left to Right) Wilson County Floresville High School Teacher Tambria Read, The STAR DAY Foundation President Dennis M. Kulvicki, Culberson County Historical Museum Director Patricia Golden, City of Harlingen District 4 Commissioner Ruben de la Rosa, City of Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell, Mrs. R. Glenn Hill and MMA Superintendent Col. R. Glenn Hill, USMC (Ret,). The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was presented by MMA Cadet C/Lt. Col. Jack Newbury. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the State of Texas was presented by Wilson County Floresville Junior Air Force ROTC Cadet Erick C. Kilcrease. 10

11 PHOTOGRAPH 5: Wilson County Floresville High School Air Force Junior ROTC Program Director and Chorale Director Lt. Col. Steven Rakel, USAF (Ret.) led a team of students to perform an outstanding Chorale Program including the presentation of the five (5) Official Military Service Flags with the singing of the Official Military Service songs. 11

12 PHOTOGRAPH 6: Wilson County Floresville High School Air Force Junior ROTC Program Director and Chorale Director Lt. Col. Steven Rakel, USAF (Ret.) directs the Chorale in the singing of the Official State Song: Texas Our Texas. 12

13 PHOTOGRAPH 6: Wilson County Floresville High School Air Force Junior ROTC Program Director and Chorale Director Lt. Col. Steven Rakel, USAF (Ret.) led the Chorale in presenting a special program to mark the occasion of the 170th anniversary of the birthday of the State of Texas on IWO JIMA DAY in Texas as their Service Achievement of Merit (SAM) birthday gift for the State of Texas. 13

14 PHOTOGRAPH 7: The MMA Chaplin Chris Elliott presented both the Invocation: and Benediction at the event. 14

15 PHOTOGRAPH 8: City of Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell presented his Opening Remarks for The Spirit of STAR DAY 2016 Celebration 15

16 PHOTOGRAPH 9: The President of the STAR DAY Foundation Dennis M. Kulvicki presented remarks about establishment of STAR DAY by the Texas State Legislature in 1999 and the efforts of The STAR DAY Foundation and its volunteers to inspire and motivate students to explore and discover the founding and founders of the State of Texas as their historical heritage in partnership with Texas schools and other organizations. Kulvicki noted that STAR DAY commemorative letters issued by Governor Greg Abbott, First Lady Cecilia P. Abbott, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker of the House Joe Straus and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Corps General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. shall be read by students at the event. In addition, Kulvicki presented a brief overview of the activities of The First Pioneers and Leaders of the State (PALS) of Texas Hall of Honor established in 2000 to honor and remember the life and service of Texas men and women who have been noted for being First in a walk-of-life and who have made service achievements of merit for the State of Texas. Teachers and others may nominate a person for induction and establish a Texas First PALS Student Study Group sponsored by The STAR DAY Foundation to conduct research to complete an Induction Story Bookmark (See APPENDIX 2) and conduct an Induction Service Event at their school or in their community as a service achievement of merit to enhance the story of Texas for the people of Texas as a unique STAR DAY birthday gift. 16

17 PHOTOGRAPH 10: MMA Cadet Chukwuemeka Atuma read The Spirit of STAR DAY 2016 School Address issued by Governor Greg Abbott. (See APPENDIX 1) 17

18 PHOTOGRAPH 11: Wilson County Floresville Junior Historian Club member and Air Force ROTC Chorale member Lorena T. Trevino read a Spirit of STAR DAY 2016 Letter issued by First Lady Cecilia P. Abbott. (See APPENDIX 1) 18

19 PHOTOGRAPH 12: MMA Cadet Grant Meisner-Moore read a Spirit of STAR DAY 2016 Letter issued by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. (See APPENDIX 1) 19

20 PHOTOGRAPH 13: The President of the STAR DAY Foundation Dennis M. Kulvicki (right) presented to MMA Superintendent Col. R. Glenn Hill, USMC (Ret.) an Official Copy of the IWO JIMA DAY bill (Senate Bill 951) authored by State Senator Jose Rodriguez at the request of a Texas Military History Group sponsored by The STAR DAY Foundation during the 2014/2015 school year. The IWO JIMA DAY bill designated February 19 as IWO JIMA DAY in Texas forever! 20

21 PHOTOGRAPH 14: The President of The STAR DAY Foundation Dennis M. Kulvicki presented THE OFFICIAL SPIRIT OF STAR DAY 2016 SERVICE ACHIEVEMENT OF MERIT (SAM) AWARD to Wilson County Floresville High School Junior Historian Club Sponsor Tambria Read. Ms. Read pioneered and lead an effort in partnership with her students organized as a Texas Military Student Study Group sponsored by The STAR DAY Foundation to propose and support the passage of The IWO JIMA DAY bill (Senate Bill 961) authored by State Senator Jose Rodriguez during the 84th State of Texas Legislative Session in 2015 which designated February 19 as Iwo Jima Day in Texas forever! Ms. Read pioneered and led her students to Austin to formally testify before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee in favor of the passage of SB 961 providing her students with the unique opportunity to engage in experiencing expanded learning opportunities beyond the normal school curriculum. 21

22 PHOTOGRAPH 15: Wilson County Floresville High School Junior Historian Club Sponsor Tambria Read presented her remarks as the Featured Speaker of The Spirit of STAR DAY 2016 Celebration event 22

23 PHOTOGRAPH 16: MMA Superintendent Col. R. Glenn Hill presented his remarks to honor and remember the life and service of Marine Captain William Bill Gary ( ), the founder of MMA in Marine Captain William Bill Gary ( ) was formally inducted into The First Pioneers and Leaders of the State (PALS) of Texas Hall of Honor being nominated by The Texas Military History Student Study Group sponsored by The STAR DAY Foundation. An Induction Story Bookmark may be reviewed by visiting APPENDIX 2. 23

24 PHOTOGRAPH 17: The President of the STAR DAY Foundation Dennis M. Kulvicki (right) presented to Frost Bank (Valley) President Raymond Jenkins an Induction Story Bookmark honoring and remembering the life and service of inductee Thomas Claiborne Frost ( ), the founder of Frost Bank in Texas (See Appendix 2). 24

25 PHOTOGRAPH 18: Frost Bank (Valley) President Raymond Jenkins presents his remarks honoring and remembering the life and service of Thomas Claiborne Frost ( ), the founder of Frost Bank in Texas 25

26 PHOTOGRAPH 19: The Wilson County Floresville High School Air Force ROTC Chorale Cadets prepare to present the flags of the five (5) Military Services Flag Chorale Program featuring the Official Song of each Service Branch as an Armed Services Medley. The following students participated: Nate Bell (11-TJHC), Rebekah Canady (10), Nicholas Garcia (12-TJHC), Luna Grimaldo (12), Kaci Hampton (10), Joseph Platt (12), Ryan Reyes (12), Raquel Rodriguez (11-TJHC), Lorena Trevino (12-TJHC). The number refers to grade level. The notation TJHC indicates that the student was in the Chorale as well as being a member of the Texas Junior Historian Club (TJHC). 26

27 PHOTOGRAPH 20: When The Spirit of STAR DAY 2016 Celebration concluded, MMA presented its annual IWO JIMA DAY PARADE on the MMA parade field featuring the entire Cadet Corps supported by the MMA Band. 27

28 PHOTOGRAPH 21: The MMA Cadet Corps gathered in formation before the IWO JIMA MONUMENT. A Corporal Harlon Henry Block ( ) Induction Story Bookmark has been enclosed to share with the reader his story of service. 28

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30 PHOTOGRAPH 22: On IWO JIMA DAY in Texas, February 19, 2016, ten (10) survivors of the Iwo Jima Campaign gathered to be honored and recognized for their service to our nation as the MMA Corps passed in tribute as the hundreds of attendees stand at attention. 30

31 PHOTOGRAPH 23: Ten (10) survivors of the Iwo Jima Campaign attended the IWO JIMA DAY PARADE on February 19,

32 APPENDIX 1 THE SPIRIT OF STAR DAY 2016 CELEBRATION ADDRESSES, LETTERS AND PROCLAMATION 32

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39 APPENDIX 2 THE SPIRIT OF STAR DAY 2016 CELEBRATION THE FIRST PALS OF TEXAS HALL OF HONOR INDUCTEES 39

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47 APPENDIX 3 THE SPIRIT OF STAR DAY STORY (2016 EDITION) 47

48 THE SPIRIT OF STAR DAY STORY (2016 EDITION) By Dennis M. Kulvicki President The STAR DAY Foundation P. O. Box El Paso, Texas (915)

49 THE FINAL ACT February 19, 1846 Austin- At the wood-planked capitol building of the Republic of Texas at Hickory (8th) and Colorado streets in Austin, Travis County. Norman Price, Artist. Print courtesy of the University of Texas American History Collection at Austin. THE STAR DAY STORY On Thursday, February 19, 1846, two great Texas politicians met in front of the wood-planked Capitol building of the Republic of Texas in the City of Austin, Travis County to conduct one of the most important peace time flag services in the history of the United States. Dr. Anson Jones ( ), the last President of the Republic of Texas, lowered the Lone Star flag of the Republic of Texas for the last official time at 12 noon and witnessed the flag of the United States being raised over the State of Texas, the 28th state of the Union, as James Pinckney Henderson ( ) was sworn in as the first Governor of the State of Texas to the cheers of a few thousand Austin residents and visitors. The entry of Texas as the 28th state of the United States was a leading factor in the Republic of Mexico declaring war against the United States in Governor James Pinckney Henderson was formally invited by the first State of Texas Legislature to take a leave of absence from his duties as Governor and lead the State of 49

50 Texas volunteers into battle which he did as an outstanding leader of men. Governor Henderson was formally honored by the United States Congress with commemorative sword for his feats of valor during the Mexican War. THE STAR DAY FOUNDATION The STAR DAY Foundation was organized in 1998 and established in 1999 as a Texas nonprofit, 501(c)3 tax exempt, corporation with the MISSION to carry out the legislative intent of the STAR DAY Bill (Senate Bill th State Legislature) in partnership with all Texas public schools and the people of the Great State of Texas. The STAR DAY Bill was initiated by a Daniel B. Kulvicki, 9th grade United States History students as a class paper. State Representative Craig Eiland introduced the bill and State Senator Mike Jackson sponsored the bill during the 76th State of Texas Legislature. The bill was signed into law by Governor George W. Bush on June 18, In order to show support for the bill, the student invited and received Memorial Resolutions from all 254 Texas County Judges, a first in Texas history in support of a legislative initiative. The support of all 254 Texas Counties for the passage of The STAR DAY Bill was pioneered and led by Galveston County Judge James D. Yarbrough and Loving County Judge Donald C. Creager. The STAR DAY bill states that all Texas public schools and other organizations shall celebrate the birthday of the State of Texas on the 19th of February each year with appropriate and patriotic program to inspire a greater appreciation for the history of the state. In addition, the STAR DAY bill encourages and invites Texas public schools and other organizations to honor and remember the life and achievements of James Pinckney Henderson ( ), the first governor of the State of Texas, who was sworn into office in Austin, Texas before the wood planked Republic of Texas Legislature building on Thursday, February 19, 1846 at 12 noon. The STAR DAY Foundation was founded in 1999 as a Texas nonprofit 501(c)3 tax exempt corporation with a Mission to carry out the legislative intent of the State of Texas Anniversary Remembrance (STAR) Day Bill (Senate Bill th State of Texas Legislature) in partnership with Texas public schools and other organizations. The STAR DAY Bill states that all Texas public schools and other organizations shall celebrate the birthday of the State of Texas on the 19th of February each year with appropriate and patriotic programs to inspire a greater appreciation of the history of the state. THE SPIRIT OF STAR DAY ANNUAL CELEBRATION PROGRAM The STAR DAY Foundation in an effort to carry-out its Mission has developed since its founding in 1999 a variety of Texas Junior High and Middle School student enrichment educational programs as after-school programs in partnership with Governor Rick Perry, a 1999 STAR DAY Founder, state legislators, county judges, city mayors, school principals and heads of Texas businesses. The STAR DAY Foundation has pioneered and led an effort to plan, develop and conduct a student enrichment program since 2000 called The Spirit of STAR DAY Celebration as an addition goal to achieve the Mission of The STAR DAY Foundation. Governor Rick Perry has issued a Spirit of STAR DAY School Address each year which is shared by The STAR DAY Foundation with Texas School principals and others. The event in odd years celebrates the birthday of the great State of Texas in the State Capitol Rotunda beginning at 12 noon with a school band concert of appropriate and patriotic music and addresses from sponsoring state legislators. In even years the event is sponsored by a partnering Texas public school at their 50

51 location. The Governor s Spirit of STAR DAY School Address is read at the event by a student selected by the school principal. THE TEXAS STAR DAY STUDENT STUDY GROUP-AN INVITATION The STAR DAY Foundation invites Texas Social Studies Teachers to partner with their School Librarian to charter and organize a Texas STAR DAY Student Study Group sponsored by The STAR DAY Foundation as an expanded learning resource program with a goal to plan, develop and conduct a birthday party for the State of Texas at their school library on STAR DAY the 19th of February each year as a service of achievement of merit STAR DAY birthday present for our state with the goal to provide their students with an opportunity to explore and discover the founding and founders of the State of Texas as their historical heritage. Each Texas STAR DAY Student Study Group under the guidance of sponsoring teachers, librarians, parents of students, advisors and volunteers may create supporting art and music activities including birthday celebration fixing (cookies etc.) for visitors to their library on STAR DAY. First Lady Cecilia P. Abbott wrote in her SPIRIT OF STAR DAY 2016 LETTER : The only bigger thing than Texas today is Texas tomorrow! The STAR DAY Foundation maintains a website at The Texas STAR DAY Student Study Group shall have a BLOG listed as STAR DAY at the website to promote communication among partnering schools. 51

52 APPENDIX 1 THE FOUNDERS (A PARTICAL LIST) 52

53 JAMES PINCKNEY HENERSON ( ) FIRST GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF TEXAS 53

54 FRANCES COX HENERSON ( ) ORIGINAL FIRST LADY OF THE STATE OF TEXAS 54

55 ALBERT CLINTON HORTON ( ) FIRST LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF TEXAS 55

56 APPENDIX 2 THE SPIRIT OF STAR DAY 2016 SCHOOL ADDRESS Governor Greg Abbott 56

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58 APPENDIX 3 THE SPIRIT OF STAR DAY 2016 LETTER First Lady Cecilia P. Abbott 58

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60 APPENDIX 4 THE SPIRIT OF STAR DAY 2016 LETTER LT. Governor Dan Patrick 60

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62 APPENDIX 5 THE SPIRIT OF STAR DAY 2016 LETTER Speaker of the House Joe Straus 62

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March 2, 2004 (719) Millions to Let Freedom Ring President Bush and all 50 governors will proclaim 53 rd annual National Day of Prayer 8605 Explorer Drive Colorado Springs, CO (719) 268-4813 NEWSRelease For Immediate Release: Contact: Mark Fried March 2, 2004 (719) 268-4813 Millions to Let Freedom Ring President Bush and all 50 governors