A JOINT RESOLUTION honoring the life and memory of Colonel Thomas Ferebee and acknowledging the veterans of world War II on the SIXTIETH anniversary of the end of that war.
Whereas, on August 14, 1945, the Japanese government accepted the provisions of the Potsdam Declaration and agreed to an unconditional surrender of its military, thus bringing an end to World War II; and
Whereas, this historic day is known as VJ Day, and sometimes is referred to as Victory in the Pacific Day; and
Whereas, numerous events have been planned to commemorate this important anniversary; and
Whereas, during this time, it is important to pay tribute to the men and women who valiantly defended our nation's interest during World War II; and
Whereas, of the more than 16 million Americans that served during World War II, over 395,900 were from North Carolina, including Colonel Thomas Ferebee of Davie County; and
Whereas, Thomas Wilson "Tom" Ferebee was born on November 8, 1918, in Mocksville, North Carolina; and
Whereas, Tom Ferebee joined the United States Army as a young man and quickly developed outstanding skills as a bombardier; and
Whereas, Tom Ferebee was selected to serve as the lead bombardier aboard the B‑29 "Enola Gay" for the Hiroshima mission on August 6, 1945; and
Whereas, had it not been for the courageous actions of the soldiers like Tom Ferebee, the outcome of World War II might have been different; and
Whereas, Tom Ferebee, having proudly served his country, died on March 16, 2000; and
Whereas, the tremendous sacrifices the World War II veterans made in liberating millions of people from oppression must never be forgotten; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly honors the memory of Colonel Thomas Wilson "Tom" Ferebee and the soldiers who died during World War II, and extends its appreciation to the surviving veterans whose brave and courageous deeds will always be remembered.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly further urges the citizens of this State to participate in activities commemorating the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II.
SECTION 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Colonel Thomas Wilson Ferebee.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.