2025 SESSION

ENROLLED

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 793

Celebrating the life of Bismarck Myrick, Sr.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 19, 2025

WHEREAS, Bismarck Myrick, Sr., of Portsmouth, a proud veteran and a respected diplomat who served as the United States ambassador to several countries over the course of his distinguished career, died on September 29, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Bismarck Myrick grew up in Portsmouth and graduated from I.C. Norcom High School in 1959; he enlisted in the United States Army and rose through the ranks to become a field grade officer, serving at various postings in the United States, South Korea, Germany, Japan, and Ethiopia; and

WHEREAS, Bismarck Myrick was an infantry company commander during the Vietnam War and earned numerous decorations for his meritorious service, including a Silver Star, four Bronze Stars, a Meritorious Service Medal, and a Purple Heart; he was also inducted into the National Infantry Hall of Fame at Fort Benning, Georgia; and

WHEREAS, Bismarck Myrick took every opportunity he could to better himself and enhance his abilities physically and academically; he was an avid runner who competed in several races and a dedicated student who earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Tampa and a master's degree from Syracuse University; and

WHEREAS, after his retirement from the military, Bismarck Myrick joined the U.S. Foreign Service and worked as a desk officer for Somalia in the Office of East African Affairs; he held several other leadership roles until he was nominated to serve as ambassador to the Kingdom of Lesotho in 1995 and to the Republic of Liberia in 1999; and

WHEREAS, Bismarck Myrick subsequently led U.S. diplomatic missions in Durban and Cape Town, South Africa, during the country's transition from apartheid rule; and

WHEREAS, Bismarck Myrick finished his career as a faculty member and ambassador-in-residence at Old Dominion University, where he inspired young men and women for more than 22 years; and

WHEREAS, among many awards and accolades, Bismarck Myrick received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Spelman College, the Superior Honor Award from the U.S. Department of State, and the Most Meritorious Order of Mohlomi from the Kingdom of Lesotho; he has been recognized by the City of Portsmouth several times, and two city streets have been renamed in his honor; and

WHEREAS, Bismarck Myrick will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Marie-Pierre; his children, Bismarck, Jr., Wesley, and Allison, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Bismarck Myrick, Sr., a patriotic veteran, esteemed diplomat, and highly admired member of the Portsmouth community; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Bismarck Myrick, Sr., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.