1Recognizing the late John Morelli, the longest-standing Sergeant
2of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington
3National Cemetery, and observing June 14, 2013, as "John J.
4Morelli Day" and "Tomb Honor Guard Day" in Pennsylvania.

5WHEREAS, John J. Morelli lived from January 18, 1918, until
6December 15, 1996; and

7WHEREAS, The native of Olyphant in Lackawanna County served
8in the United States Armed Forces during the Korean War; and

9WHEREAS, Mr. Morelli was a recipient of the Bronze Star; and

10WHEREAS, Mr. Morelli became known for serving as the longest-
11standing Sergeant of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown
12Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery; and

13WHEREAS, Tomb guards are handpicked and rigorously trained;
14and

15WHEREAS, Tomb guards serve as part of the 3rd United States

1Infantry Regiment, otherwise known as "The Old Guard," the
2oldest, active infantry unit in the military in service to the
3United States since 1784; and

4WHEREAS, Mr. Morelli received the Tomb Honor Guard Badge, the
5second least-awarded medal in the United States Army, which
6features the three figures of Peace, Victory and Valor; and

7WHEREAS, Upon his passing, Mr. Morelli was interred in
8Section 17 of Arlington National Cemetery, among many of his
9other tomb guard compatriots; and

10WHEREAS, On June 14, 2013, members of the Dickson City Honor
11Guard, the Raymond-Henry American Legion Post 327 of Olyphant,
12the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7251 of Throop, the Disabled
13American Veterans of Dickson City Chapter 11 and the Marine
14Corps League of Scranton will sponsor a memorial ceremony at the
15Olyphant Train Station to honor the service, commitment,
16dedication and valor of John J. Morelli; therefore be it

17RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives join in
18recognizing John J. Morelli for his service in the United States
19Army, for his dedication and valor involved in receiving the
20Bronze Star, for his service as the longest-standing Sergeant of
21the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and for being a
22recipient of the Tomb Honor Guard Badge; and be it further

23RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives observe June 14,
242013, as "John J. Morelli Day" and "Tomb Honor Guard Day" in
25Pennsylvania to further recognize Mr. Morelli's service and the
26service of all those like him who have committed to maintaining
27the highest standards and traditions of the United States Army
28and the nation while keeping a constant vigil at the National
29Shrine of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and whose special duty
30is to prevent any desecration or disrespect directed toward the

1tomb; and be it further

2RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented at the
3memorial ceremony on June 14, 2013.