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HJR 237

Memorials, Recognition - Vivian Lee Battle Sims -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Justin Jones

The resolution honors Vivian Lee Battle Sims for lifelong public service and leadership in education and her role in supporting the Resurrection of Valor statue honoring USCT soldi

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HJR 237

HJR 237 — Memorials, Recognition: Vivian Lee Battle Sims

Quick Facts

  • Bill Type: House Joint Resolution (memorial, recognition)
  • Sponsor: Jones J
  • Introduced: February 20, 2025
  • Status: Signed by Governor (March 12, 2025)
  • Subject: Memorials, Recognition
  • Chambers: House and Senate concurring

Purpose and Intent

HJR 237 serves to honor and commend Vivian Lee Battle Sims, a 96-year-old retired Giles County educator, for her lifelong public service, leadership, and contributions to the community. The resolution recognizes her as a distinguished citizen who has helped highlight Tennessee’s history and values.

Key Provisions

  • Conveys formal recognition and commendation from the General Assembly to Vivian Lee Battle Sims.
  • Acknowledges Sims’ historic trailblazing roles in education:
    • First African-American female assistant principal at Pulaski Elementary School
    • First African-American principal at Southside Elementary School
  • Emphasizes her nearly five-decade commitment to community involvement and education, and more than six decades as a Giles County resident.
  • Highlights her leadership in championing The Resurrection of Valor statue (completed in 2023) in Pulaski, which honors United States Colored Troops (USCT) who fought in the Civil War.
    • The statue depicts a young child looking up at a USCT soldier and stands as a historic symbol of legacy, courage, and pride.
  • Notes Sims’ personal connection as a direct descendant of a USCT soldier and her financial support for the project (approximately $82,000).
  • Affirms the General Assembly’s appreciation for her service and extends best wishes for her future endeavors.
  • Provides for an official copy of the resolution to be prepared and presented, with a standard concluding clause about formatting.

Who or What Is Affected

  • Vivian Lee Battle Sims is the primary honoree.
  • The resolution acknowledges her impact on Giles County, the broader community, and Tennessee’s historical memory.
  • The act is ceremonial; it does not create new programs, appropriations, or regulatory requirements.

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • February 20, 2025: Bill introduced and placed on House consent calendar.
  • February 24–27, 2025: Passed by House and transmitted to Senate; sponsor additions and concurrence actions occur.
  • March 3–4, 2025: Senate concurrence and enrollment steps completed; signatures from House Speaker and Senate leadership.
  • March 5, 2025: Transmitted to Governor; Senate Speaker signs.
  • March 12, 2025: Governor signs the joint resolution into law.

Fiscal/Policy Implications

  • No new state programs, mandates, or ongoing financial obligations are created by this memorial resolution.
  • The text notes Sims’ prior personal funding for the statue, but the resolution itself does not authorize state expenditures.

Background on The Resurrection of Valor Statue

  • Location: Pulaski, Tennessee
  • Purpose: Commemorates USCT soldiers who fought in the Civil War
  • Visual: Bronze statue featuring a child looking toward a USCT soldier
  • Significance: Serves as a historic symbol of legacy, courage, and pride for descendants of the USCT and the community

This summary presents the bill as a ceremonial recognition of Vivian Sims’ contributions to education, her advocacy for inclusive recognition of history, and her role in commemorating Civil War-era African American veterans.

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

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