SJR64: Joint Resolution Text

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2013 - 2014 LEGISLATURE

2013 Senate JOINT RESOLUTION 64

January 22, 2014 - Introduced by Senators Kedzie, Grothman, Vinehout, Miller, Lassa, Schultz, T. Cullen, Lazich, Harsdorf, Lehman and Tiffany, cosponsored by Representatives Weatherston, Jacque, Kleefisch, Kahl, Smith, Stroebel, Tranel, Goyke, Thiesfeldt, Danou, Petryk, A. Ott, Bies, Pope, Tittl, Mason, Murtha, Ballweg, Marklein, Petersen, Ohnstad, Hintz, Pridemore, Knodl, Mursau, Krug, Jorgensen, Rodriguez, Bernier, Wachs and Berceau. Referred to Committee on Senate Organization.

SJR64,1,1 Relating to: commending the Iron Brigade.

SJR64,1,3 Whereas, the courageous soldiers of the Iron Brigade fought in the Union Army in the Civil War of 1861-1865; and

SJR64,1,5 Whereas, General Rufus King brought together the infantry regiments known as the Iron Brigade and commanded them at the start of the Civil War; and

SJR64,1,7 Whereas, the majority of the Iron Brigade was composed of young men from Wisconsin; and

SJR64,1,9 Whereas, also known as the "Black Hats," the Iron Brigade served in almost every major battle of the Civil War; and

SJR64,1,12 Whereas, William F. Fox, the Civil War's premier casualty statistician, stated that the records show that, during the Civil War, the Iron Brigade faced enemy fire most often and for the longest periods; and

SJR64,1,14 Whereas, of the 672 infantry brigades in the Union Army, the Iron Brigade experienced the highest rate of casualties; and

SJR64,2,2 Whereas, at the Battle of South Mountain, the Iron Brigade used the leapfrog tactic, which is still widely used by the military today; and

SJR64,2,4 Whereas, the Iron Brigade was instrumental in helping the Union win the Battle of Gettysburg, which was the real turning point of the Civil War; and

SJR64,2,7 Whereas, 61 percent of the Iron Brigade's casualties were sustained at Gettysburg, with the 2nd Wisconsin Infantry suffering 77 percent of its casualties at Gettysburg; and

SJR64,2,11 Whereas, the 6th Wisconsin Infantry is remembered for its famous charge on an unfinished railroad cut north and west of Gettysburg, where, led by Colonel Rufus R. Dawes, the infantry bravely moved forward amid hidden enemy fire, captured the flag of the 2nd Mississippi, and took hundreds of Confederate soldiers prisoner; and

SJR64,2,13 Whereas, in total, nearly 12,000 of these Iron Brigade soldiers sacrificed their lives, and thousands more were wounded; and

SJR64,2,15 Whereas, the eminent historian T. Harry Williams stated that the Iron Brigade was "probably the best fighting brigade in the army"; and

SJR64,2,17 Whereas, the Iron Brigade played a significant role in helping the Union Army win the Civil War; now, therefore, be it

SJR64,2,21 Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature join all Wisconsin residents in honoring the members of the Iron Brigade for their bravery, strength, and courage and their countless contributions to the preservation of our great nation.

SJR64,2,22 (End)