A JOINT RESOLUTION honoring the life and memory of henry Gardner "red" gibson, patriot and world war ii veteran.

Whereas, Henry Gardner "Red" Gibson was born on May 29, 1921, in Iredell County, to Roy Clifton Gibson and Mary Ellen Webber Gibson; and
Whereas, Red Gibson proudly served his country during World War II as a member of the United States Army; and
Whereas, Red Gibson earned a World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic‑Pacific Campaign Medal and Bronze Star Attachment, and an honorable service lapel button; and
Whereas, Red Gibson served as a member of the Merchant Marines from 1949 to 1950; and
Whereas, after serving in the military, Red Gibson moved to the Icard Community in Burke County; and
Whereas, Red Gibson was married on December 7, the anniversary of Pearl Harbor, which was an important date in American history that he never wanted to forget; and
Whereas, Red Gibson tried to resume a normal life, but he was haunted by the horrors he'd experienced during the war and hampered physically because of a head injury he'd suffered in combat; and
Whereas, the continuing nightmares eventually took a toll on his family; and
Whereas, despite his troubles, Red Gibson worked in the local mills, as a plumber and gardener, and in later years, collected cans to support himself and maintain his dignity; and 
Whereas, Red Gibson could not afford luxuries, he walked everywhere he went and often got by without basic necessities like electricity and running water, but he never gave up on himself or his country; and
Whereas, Red Gibson normally dressed in military fatigues and carried the American flag as he walked to the bridge near his modest home and stood guard each day for many years; and
Whereas, although Red Gibson was initially ridiculed by many in his community for his unusual rituals, he was eventually embraced by them as a true patriot, particularly after the terrorist attacks on our country on September 11, 2001; and 
Whereas, Red Gibson was buoyed by his neighbors when, in an act of solidarity, they stopped laughing and began saluting him out of respect and patriotic pride as they passed him marching on the road and guarding the bridge; and 
Whereas, Red Gibson was finally being recognized for his dedication and service to his country when he was brutally murdered in his home on February 5, 2004; and
Whereas, Red Gibson's death saddened the entire Burke County community; and
Whereas, Red Gibson is survived by his daughters, Mary Margaret Gibson Gentry and Betty Sue Gibson Reid; and
Whereas, Red Gibson deserves to be commended for his service and devotion to this country; Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

SECTION 1.  The General Assembly honors the life and memory of Henry Gardner "Red" Gibson and expresses the gratitude and appreciation of the citizens of this State for his service to his country.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly extends its deepest sympathy to the family of Henry Gardner "Red" Gibson for the loss of a beloved family member.
SECTION 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Henry Gardner "Red" Gibson.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 16th day of May, 2005.

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		 Beverly E. Perdue
	 President of the Senate

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		 James B. Black
	 Speaker of the House of Representatives