A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS, THE CITY OF

LAS CRUCES, THE NEW MEXICO VETERANS' SERVICE COMMISSION AND NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY TO COLLABORATE ON A PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A NEW MEXICO STATE VETERANS' MUSEUM IN LAS CRUCES.

     WHEREAS, there are currently twenty-one museums in

New Mexico that include military items and exhibits in their collections; and

     WHEREAS, because those museums are scattered throughout the state and contain artifacts from different wars and campaigns, the contributions of New Mexico's veterans are not adequately represented; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico's military history is extensive, as it covers nearly five hundred years and includes the exploits of conquistadors, roughriders, code talkers, buffalo soldiers, Bataan death marchers and seven medal of honor recipients; and

     WHEREAS, the city of Las Cruces, which is home to a significant population of veterans and which lies in close proximity to Fort Bliss, Biggs army field, White Sands missile range and Holloman air force base, is a logical choice for a New Mexico state veterans' museum; and

     WHEREAS, Las Cruces is also home to New Mexico state university, which could contribute its resources to the consolidation of military artifacts that are now scattered throughout the state and could assist with the establishment of a New Mexico state veterans' museum; and

     WHEREAS, the office of cultural affairs is the state agency charged with oversight of state museums; and       

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico veterans' service commission is the state agency charged with oversight of veterans issues;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the office of cultural affairs, the city of Las Cruces, the New Mexico veterans' service commission and New Mexico state university be requested to collaborate on a proposal to establish a New Mexico state veterans' museum in Las Cruces and report the results of their efforts and their recommendations to the legislative finance committee no later than October 1, 2003; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the state cultural affairs officer, the mayor of the city of Las Cruces, the director of the New Mexico veterans' service commission and the president of New Mexico state university.