Tennessee Senate Bill SJR0967

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/23/26
• Engrossed: 4/2/26
• Enrolled: 4/8/26
• Passed: 4/16/26

Caption

A RESOLUTION to honor the memory of Master Sergeant Roderick "Roddie" W. Edmonds, United States Army, Medal of Honor recipient.

Summary

Senate Joint Resolution 967 is a commemorative resolution honoring the memory of Master Sergeant Roderick “Roddie” W. Edmonds of Knoxville, a World War II Army soldier who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. The resolution recounts his service with the 422nd Infantry Regiment, his capture during the Battle of the Bulge, and his actions as a prisoner of war at Stalag IX-A, where he refused a Nazi order to single out Jewish-American prisoners for persecution. By standing with all American prisoners and warning that such conduct would violate the Geneva Convention, Edmonds helped save the lives of more than 200 servicemen. The resolution also recognizes Edmonds’s later recognition by Yad Vashem as Righteous Among the Nations and notes that he is one of only five Americans to receive that honor, and the only one also awarded the Medal of Honor. It directs that an appropriate copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation, which is standard for honorary resolutions and does not create a new program or regulatory requirement.

Impact

SJR0967 does not amend Tennessee statutes, create new legal duties, or appropriate funds; its effect is symbolic and ceremonial. Its practical impact is to place the General Assembly’s official recognition into the legislative record and to formally honor Edmonds’s military service, Holocaust-related heroism, and posthumous Medal of Honor award. The resolution affects no private parties directly and does not change state law beyond the legislature’s expression of commendation.

Sentiment

The sentiment around the resolution is strongly positive and unanimous. The recorded floor votes show overwhelming support, with a 32-0 vote to adopt and an 89-0 vote for passage on third consideration. The bill’s language is entirely laudatory, and there is no indication of opposition in the available committee or floor context.

Contention

There is little to no substantive contention associated with this resolution. Because it is a memorial/honorary measure, the main focus is historical recognition rather than policy debate. Any discussion would likely center on the accuracy and significance of Edmonds’s wartime actions, his posthumous Medal of Honor, and his recognition by Yad Vashem, but the available record shows no recorded dissent or controversy.