[106th Congress Public Law 161] [From the U.S. Government Printing Office] <DOC> [DOCID: f:publ161.106] [[Page 113 STAT. 1775]] Public Law 106-161 106th Congress Joint Resolution Conferring status as an honorary veteran of the United States Armed Forces on Zachary Fisher. <<NOTE: Dec. 9, 1999 - [H.J. Res. 46]>> Whereas the United States has only once before conferred on an individual status as an honorary veteran of the United States Armed Forces, when in Public Law 105-67 Congress conferred that status on Leslie Townes (Bob) Hope; Whereas status as an honorary veteran of the United States Armed Forces is and should remain an extraordinary honor not lightly conferred nor frequently granted; Whereas the lifetime of accomplishments and generosity of Zachary Fisher on behalf of United States military servicemembers, veterans, and their families through a wide range of philanthropic activities fully justifies the conferring of such status; Whereas Zachary Fisher is himself not a veteran, having attempted to enlist in the Armed Forces to serve his country during World War II, but being informed that he was ineligible due to a preexisting medical condition; Whereas Zachary Fisher and his wife Elizabeth have as private citizens enhanced the lives of thousands of servicemembers, veterans, and their families through a wide range of philanthropic activities; Whereas Zachary Fisher has been honored by each of the branches of the Armed Forces, by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, and by the major veterans service organizations for projects such as the preservation of the USS INTREPID as a sea-air-space museum in New York harbor, the establishment of the Fisher House program for relatives of critically ill members of the Armed Forces and their families, and the furnishing of scholarships and other financial support to families who have lost a loved one in service to their country; and Whereas Zachary Fisher has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his extraordinary patriotism and philanthropy: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress-- (1) extends its gratitude, on behalf of the American people, to Zachary Fisher for his lifetime of accomplishments and philanthropy on behalf of United States military servicemembers; and [[Page 113 STAT. 1776]] (2) confers upon Zachary Fisher the status of an honorary veteran of the United States Armed Forces. Approved December 9, 1999. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.J. Res. 46: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 145 (1999): Nov. 2, considered and passed House. Nov. 19, considered and passed Senate. <all>