WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SJR 1203

Memorials, Personal Occasion - Charles Edward Bottens, 100th birthday -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Recognizes Charles Edward Bottens’ 100th birthday and commends his military service, community work, and lifelong contributions to Tennessee.

Transmitted to Governor for action.
#memorials #personaloccasion
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SJR 1203

Summary of Bill: SJR 1203 (Session 114) – Tennessee

Title

Memorials, Personal Occasion – Charles Edward Bottens, 100th birthday

Purpose and Intent

  • A Senate Joint Resolution honoring and congratulating Charles Edward Bottens on the occasion of his 100th birthday.
  • Expresses commendation for Bottens’ life, service, and contributions to his community and nation.
  • Declares that the General Assembly wishes him well and to celebrate this milestone.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Official recognition by both the Senate and House (concurring in the resolution) acknowledging Charles Edward Bottens’ 100th birthday, to be celebrated on June 7, 2026.
  • Summary language detailing Bottens’ life achievements and service, including:
    • Birthdate and long-standing residence in the Brentwood area.
    • Early life on a dairy farm during the Great Depression.
    • World War II service in the U.S. Army (drafted Sept 1944) with deployment to the Pacific Theater; participated in operations in the Philippines (Cebu, Leyte, Negros) and awarded the Bronze Star.
    • Post-war service with the 8 Army Headquarters; Military Police in Yokohama, Japan; discharged in 1947 as a Sergeant.
    • Professional career with Sunbeam Corporation, ownership of a service station, and work as a truck driver hauling steel, industrial gases, and other commodities.
    • Community service as a volunteer at Cape Coral Hospital in Florida for 21 years (transport department) until the program ended in 2020 due to COVID-19.
    • Family: marriage to Elaine Zaloudek (1955) and two daughters, Cynthia and Laura; 65 years of marriage until Elaine’s passing in 2020.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Charles Edward Bottens: recipient of the recognition and commendation.
  • The Tennessee General Assembly: formal acknowledgment of Bottens’ milestone as part of its duties to honor citizens.
  • The public record: the resolution becomes part of state legislative documents and may be presented to Bottens or his family.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Status: Filed for introduction on April 20, 2026.
  • Nature: A memorial resolution (non-binding) intended to publicly recognize and honor a citizen for a personal milestone.
  • Presentation: If passed, an official copy would be prepared for presentation, with formatting adjustments specified (omitting the final clause in copies and ensuring the language appears after the State seal without House/Senate designation).

Impact

  • Primarily symbolic and ceremonial, serving to acknowledge Bottens’ contributions as a veteran, community volunteer, and lifelong worker.
  • No financial appropriation or statutory changes; does not create new obligations or programs.
  • May serve to inspire public recognition of veterans, community service, and longevity.

If you’d like, I can provide a brief comparison to typical memorial resolutions or extract similar language for a quick briefing deck.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.