A RESOLUTION to honor the memory of the four Donaldson brothers of Dickson County on the occasion of their posthumously receiving The Ambassador For Peace Medal.
Summary
Senate Joint Resolution 85 is a commemorative resolution honoring the memory of four Donaldson brothers of Dickson County—Thomas Harvel, Ernest Melvin, Arie Gafford, and Arthur Preston Donaldson—on the occasion of their posthumous receipt of The Ambassador For Peace Medal from the Republic of South Korea. The resolution recounts their military service and recognizes the brothers as examples of Tennessee and American patriotism and sacrifice.
The resolution notes that Thomas Harvel Donaldson served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, while Ernest Melvin Donaldson, Arie Gafford Donaldson, and Arthur Preston Donaldson served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War; Arthur Preston Donaldson also served in Vietnam. It emphasizes that the four brothers served simultaneously in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Korean War, described as an American record for that conflict, and frames their service as worthy of public remembrance and honor.
Impact
SJR0085 does not change Tennessee statutory law or create new legal obligations. Its effect is ceremonial and declaratory: it directs the General Assembly to formally honor the Donaldson brothers and authorize preparation of an official copy of the resolution for presentation. The resolution primarily affects the public record and state recognition of military service, rather than any regulated party or state agency.
Sentiment
The sentiment around the resolution is strongly positive and respectful. The bill passed both floor votes unanimously, indicating broad bipartisan support and little to no opposition. The language of the resolution is laudatory throughout, focusing on gratitude, sacrifice, and honor for the brothers’ military service.
Contention
There is no notable substantive contention reflected in the available record. Because the measure is a commemorative resolution, discussion appears to have been noncontroversial, and the unanimous votes suggest no disagreement over the recognition being offered. Any differences would likely have been limited to procedural handling rather than policy substance.
To commend and congratulate the Sam Houston High School Broncos Baseball Team on winning the 2025 LHSAA Baseball Non-Select Division I State Championship.