AR11: Resolution Text

LRB-3163/1

SRM:cjs:pg

2007 - 2008 LEGISLATURE

2007 Assembly RESOLUTION 11

September 20, 2007 - Introduced by Representatives Wieckert, Roth, Kaufert, A. Ott, Nelson, Kerkman, Jeskewitz, Musser, Nygren, Gunderson, Petrowski, Tauchen, LeMahieu, Bies, Sheridan, Nerison and Albers. Referred to Committee on Rules.

AR11,1,1 Relating to: proclaiming October 12, 2007, as Rocky Bleier Day in Wisconsin.

AR11,1,4 Whereas, Robert "Rocky" Bleier was born and raised in Appleton, Wisconsin, and attended Xavier High School in Appleton, where he starred on the Xavier Hawks football and basketball teams; and

AR11,1,9 Whereas, following his graduation from Xavier High School in 1964, Rocky Bleier attended the University of Notre Dame, where he starred on the football team under coach Ara Parseghian, playing on a national championship team in 1966 and serving as team captain in 1967, and graduated with a degree in Business Management; and

AR11,1,14 Whereas, Rocky Bleier was drafted by the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers in 1968, but in November of that year he was called to serve in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, where on August 20, 1969, he was seriously wounded in his left thigh and, while down, a grenade exploded wounding his right leg and foot, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star; and

AR11,2,5 Whereas, despite the fact that, as a result of these wounds, Rocky Bleier could not walk without pain or a limp for nearly two years, he persevered to overcome the injuries and earn a spot on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster, where he became a starting running back in 1974 and a member of 4 Super Bowl champion teams during the period from 1974 to 1980; and

AR11,2,10 Whereas, in celebration of the 45 year anniversary of the Xavier High School Hawks state championship football team of which Rocky Bleier was an integral part in 1962 and in recognition of his patriotism, personal courage, service to his country, professional service, and many achievements, Xavier High School in Appleton will name their football field after Rocky Bleier in a ceremony on October 12, 2007; and

AR11,2,14 Whereas, the grit, determination, and perseverance displayed by Rocky Bleier throughout his life offers hope and optimism, provides an outstanding lesson in overcoming obstacles and courage, and instills inspiration in all other citizens; now, therefore, be it

AR11,2,18 Resolved by the assembly, That: the members of the Wisconsin state assembly in recognition and celebration of the achievements of Rocky Bleier and his Xavier High School teammates, proclaim October 12, 2007, Rocky Bleier Day in the state of Wisconsin.

AR11,2,19 (End)