A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE WORLD WAR II VETERAN MR. HAL PECK ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RECENT ONE HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS IN THE DAYS AHEAD.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that Mr. Hal Peck celebrated a most important life milestone on February 22, 2023: his one hundredth birthday; and

 

Whereas, born in the state of Indiana, Mr. Peck came into this world on February 22, 1923; and

 

Whereas, a veteran of the United States Army, he served in World War II in the 226th Signal Corps. Mr. Peck was drafted in the spring of 1943 and arrived in Normandy on June 17, 1944, eleven days after D-Day, the area having been secured. As a member of the 226th Signal Corps, he was responsible for going up and down telephone poles to help maintain lines of communication. He did not carry a rifle while on pole duty but was in a vulnerable position while performing his duties; and

 

Whereas, in October 2022, the French government awarded Mr. Peck the French Legion of Honor for his service during the war, a high distinction bestowed for military and civil merit. This military honor grants Mr. Peck knight status, prompting some family and friends to call him "Sir Hal"; and

 

Whereas, when he returned to the United States at the end of the war, the young Hal was recruited to play basketball at Tulane University, where he excelled; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Peck married his college sweetheart, Gwen Bailie, in 1949. The two traveled the world, returning to their home base in Goshen, Indiana, until they retired to Aiken in 1992. Together, they had two sons, Rich and Jim Peck; and

 

Whereas, Hal Peck still lives in the home he purchased with his wife, who passed away in 2010. He spends much of his time at the Houndslake Country Club, where he is much beloved by a circle of friends and neighbors. The country club's public house now bears the sign "Hal Peck Pub" in honor of Mr. Peck; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House takes great pleasure in honoring this esteemed citizen and World War II veteran on the occasion of his recent one hundredth birthday and is delighted to join with his family and friends in congratulating him. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate World War II veteran Mr. Hal Peck on the occasion of his recent one hundredth birthday and wish him much happiness in the days ahead.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Hal Peck.

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