Resolution No. 23-12RESOLUTION NO. 23-12
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PLACEMENT OF SIGNAGE IN THE
COMMUNITY HONORING UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS CAPTAIN REXWOOD S.
THAMES JR. AND UNITED STATES NAVY LIEUTENANT JAMES F. THAMES,
BROTHERS FROM ATLANTIC BEACH WHO HEROICALLY SERVED THE NATION
DURING THE VIETNAM WAR; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
ANY CONTRACTS AND PURCHASE ORDERS AS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, throughout our country's history, generations of men and women have answered the call to leave
their families, their jobs, and put their futures and even their lives on the line to valiantly defend our nation and its
inalienable rights; and
WHEREAS, for many, that sacrifice has ended in permanent injury or death, yet their spirit remains in the
continued preservation of our freedoms and the promise of liberty; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to place signage in select locations in the community to honor two brothers,
wartime military veterans from Atlantic Beach who heroically served the nation, defending its people's freedom:
Captain Rexwood Simpson Thames Jr. and his younger brother, LT. James Franklin Thames; and
WHEREAS, Capt. Thames flew more than 125 successful combat missions and was killed shortly after
returning home from his initial tour in Vietnam; and Lt. Thames, a highly decorated Navy Seal, was killed in action
during a combat mission against enemy forces; and
WHEREAS, by adding names of local wartime military veterans to public signage, the City aspires to promote
public awareness of these individuals and show its appreciation for their outstanding contributions and service to our
country as members of the United States Armed Forces. These were special young people who called Atlantic Beach
home. They went to school here, played here, and shared hopes and dreams of what they wanted in life here. Their
hopes and dreams were endless, but few of them were fulfilled because the course of history altered them.
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Commission of the City of Atlantic Beach as follows:
Section 1. That the City of Atlantic Beach will place signage in select locations in the community to honor
Atlantic Beach wartime military heroes/brothers Capt. Rexwood Simpson Thames Jr. and L.T. James Franklin
Thames.
Section 2. That the City Manager is authorized to execute any contracts and purchase orders necessary to
effectuate the provisions of this Resolution.
Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage and adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City of Atlantic Beach, t ' 0th da ril 2023.
Cu is"Ford, May
Attest:
Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk
Approved as to form and correctness:
A—rs� �— —
Jason R.b ' 1, ' y Attorney