Georgia legislation · 2025-2026 Regular Session
Georgia HR2003: Pender, Captain Dr. Melvin; commend
Status: Passed both chambers, March 27, 2026
A RESOLUTION recognizing and commending Captain Dr. Melvin Pender; and for other purposes.
What the bill says
A resolution Recognizing and commending Captain Dr. Melvin Pender; and for other purposes.
From the introduced text:
A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Captain Dr. Melvin Pender; and for other purposes. WHEREAS, Captain Dr. Mel Pender Jr. has distinguished himself through a lifetime of achievement as a decorated military officer, world-class athlete, author, and civil rights advocate whose accomplishments have brought honor to the State of Georgia and the United States; and WHEREAS, known to many as Mel, he first represented the United States at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, where he demonstrated the discipline, courage, and drive that would define his career both on and off the track; and WHEREAS, he performed thereafter at the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games, earning a gold medal through his remarkable speed and skill while serving as a combat soldier in the Vietnam War, for which he received the Bronze Star; and WHEREAS, nicknamed the "Black Knight" in the track world, Captain Dr. Mel Pender Jr. earned admiration not only for his record-setting performances but also for his mentorship, humility, and compassion; and H. R. 2003 LC 112 4145 WHEREAS, his honors further include induction into multiple Halls of Fame, such as the Officers' Candidate School Hall of Fame, the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, and the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame; and WHEREAS, this distinguished gentleman has given inspiration to many through his high …
Sponsors
- Terry Cummings (D, 39) · primary sponsor
- Billy Mitchell (D, 88)
Latest actions
- : House Read and Adopted
- : House First Readers
- : House Hopper
Common questions
- What is HR2003?
- HR2003 is a bill in the Georgia Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Pender, Captain Dr. Melvin; commend.
- What does HR2003 do?
- In its own words: A resolution Recognizing and commending Captain Dr. Melvin Pender; and for other purposes.
- What is the status of HR2003?
- Passed both chambers as of March 27, 2026. Latest action: House Read and Adopted (March 27, 2026).
- Who sponsored HR2003?
- Terry Cummings (D, 39), with 1 co-sponsor.
- Where is the official record for HR2003?
- On the Georgia Legislature website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/74577
Source: official Georgia record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.