H.Con.Res. 76

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 76 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. CON. RES. 76

Recognizing the visionary leadership of Chief Richard LaMunyon and the 
profound global impact of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special 
Olympics.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 5, 2026

Mr. Estes submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was 
referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the 
Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined 
by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as 
fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Recognizing the visionary leadership of Chief Richard LaMunyon and the 
profound global impact of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special 
Olympics.

Whereas, in 1979, Wichita, Kansas, Police Chief Richard LaMunyon was invited to 
the Special Olympics Kansas State Summer Games;
Whereas Chief LaMunyon witnessed firsthand the unique bond between athletes and 
law enforcement officers, having been moved by the ``tears of joy'' and 
excitement of a young athlete while presenting her with a medal;
Whereas this interaction served as the ``spark'' for Chief LaMunyon to commit 
his department to supporting Special Olympics Kansas (SOKS);
Whereas Chief LaMunyon sought to eliminate the financial burden on athletes and 
their families, who at the time were required to pay for dinner dance 
banquets;
Whereas, in June 1981, Chief LaMunyon and his officers launched the first 
``Flame of Hope'' run from Wichita City Hall to South High School, 
raising approximately $300 in its inaugural year;
Whereas Chief LaMunyon collaborated with Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the founder of 
Special Olympics, to ensure the athletes remained at the forefront of 
the mission;
Whereas, after witnessing the ``loud roar of support'' and positive interactions 
between hundreds of officers and athletes at the Kansas Summer Games, 
Eunice Kennedy Shriver gave her official blessing for what is now known 
as the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR);
Whereas the LETR has grown from a local initiative in Wichita to the largest 
grassroots movement supporting Special Olympics worldwide;
Whereas the movement now spans all 50 States, all provinces of Canada, and over 
25 other countries;
Whereas more than 150,000 law enforcement officers participate in LETR events 
annually; and
Whereas, since its inception in 1981, the movement has raised a total of 
$1,139,597,747 to support individuals with intellectual disabilities: 
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That Congress--
(1) recognizes Chief Richard LaMunyon for his visionary 
leadership in founding the Law Enforcement Torch Run;
(2) commends the 150,000 law enforcement officers who 
continue to carry the ``Flame of Hope'' and foster community 
inclusion; and
(3) celebrates the ``roaring flame of stability'' that the 
Law Enforcement Torch Run provides to the Special Olympics 
movement worldwide.
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