H.R. 116, the Resolution to Support H.R. 2070 – the federal legislation that will include FDR’s D-Day Landing Prayer at the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. passed the Ohio House Veterans Affairs Committee (Rep. Martin, chair)  by a vote of 12-0, and has been referred for a vote to the Ohio House.

OCA President Chris Long stated, ” Sixty-seven years ago, on the morning of June 6, 1944, as Allied forces were landing on the beaches in ?Normandy,President Roosevelt went to the airwaves and prayed with our nation for God’s blessing and protection upon our brave fighting men.  He prayed, “Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity….”

President Roosevelt’s prayer articulated the great crusade that was underway to liberate millions suffering under tyranny. He noblized the war effort and paid honor to the fallen and those veterans who fought courageously in the conflict.  It is only fitting that succeeding generations learn of this prayer that was offered at that most poignant moment in our nation’s history.”

Also testifying in support of the resolution was Mr. George Ondick of AMVETSDepartment of Ohio. In his testimony he quoted from the purpose of the Memorial, “…Symbolic of the defining event of the 20th Century, the Memorial is a monument to the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the American people to the common defense of the nation and to the broader causes of peace and freedom from tyranny throughout the world.”

He stated to the committee, “I come before you today as a proponent of H.R. 116, encouraging Congress to enact H.R. 2070 that will provide a suitable place at the WWII Memorial for the prayer by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, ‘Let Our Hearts Be Stout’.  The WWII Memorial Memorial evokes memories of battles fought and events that will live in the minds of Americans forever.  Battles and events such as the attack on Pearl Harbor, The Bataan Death March, Midway, the flag raising at Iwo Jima, Sicily, D-Day,The Battle of the Bulge, Hiroshima, and many more.  The WWII Memorial Memorial evokes the memory of the brave and heroic warriors who fought those battles against powerful enemies who wish to enslave the world.  The monument also evokes the memory of those whose sacrifices were made here in Ohio and across the country; those parents and loved ones whose sons and daughters made the ultimate sacrifice to our nation.”

Update on Founding of America Documents Bill – S.B. 165

The Founding of America Documents Bill, S.B. 165, sponsored by State Senator Larry Obhof and State Senator Tim Grendell, is up for a third hearing on Tuesday, June 28th at 9:30 a.m. in the Senate Education Committee for a possible vote.  This past Tuesday, Dr. Peter Schramm of Ashland University presented testimony in support of the legislation.  Also testifying in support of S.B. 165 was Mr. Jeff Hardin, current State School Board member.

The Statehouse news services are reporting that H.B. 125, Ohio’s Heartbeat Bill, will be up for a vote in the Ohio House on Tuesday.  Call your State Representative and urge them to support H.B. 125, Ohio’s Heartbeat Bill.

Victory – The End of Ohio’s Estate Tax is in the state budget. OCA President Chris Long met with other leaders from conservative organizations who supported the effort to end Ohio’s estate tax.  They were called to a meeting with Speaker Batchelder who informed them that the legislation was in the budget.  OCA President Chris Long stated, “This will be great news to Ohio farm families and small business owners who for years have had to pay this unjust tax.  Many small family farms have had no other choice but to sell the family farm to pay this unjust tax leavied upon the property after their parents had passed on.”

(left to right) OCA President Chris Long, Rep. Bob Peterson, Rep. Ron Amstutz, Ron Alban, Greg Lawson, Rep. Cheryl Grossman, Speaker Bill Batchelder, Beth Vanderkooi (Ohio Farm Bureau), Rebecca Heimlick and Seth Morgan (Americans for Prosperity).