A JOINT RESOLUTION honoring North Carolina's veterans during the observance of flag day.
Whereas, the United States flag has served as a symbol of pride for all Americans for more than 200 years and as a uniting force for the country during times of conflict; and
Whereas, thousands of Americans have served under our nation's flag as members of the armed forces from the Revolutionary War to the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; and
Whereas, on August 3, 1949, Congress enacted legislation approving the national observance of Flag Day on June 14 of each year; and
Whereas, as we observe Flag Day, it is important to pay tribute to the men and women who have bravely risen to the challenge to protect our nation's values; and
Whereas, North Carolina is the site of some of the nation's most important military installations and is currently home to more than 770,000 veterans and 90,000 service men and women serving on active duty, including the National Guard and Reserves; and
Whereas, of the veterans living in North Carolina, more than 568,800 served in times of war, including over 140,000 in the first Gulf War, 225,000 in the Vietnam War, 77,600 in the Korean War, and 90,000 in World War II; and
Whereas, Medal of Honor recipients living in North Carolina, including Korean War Veteran Rodolfo P. (Rudy) Hernadez of Fayetteville, and Vietnam Veterans Walter Joseph (Joe) Marm of Fremont, Robert Martin (Bob) Patterson of Fayetteville, and Gordon R. Roberts of Fort Bragg exemplify North Carolinians who have served their country so well and true; and
Whereas, the General Assembly wishes to honor the memory of the Medal of Honor recipients who gave their lives while serving their country, including Harold B. Durham, Jr. of Rocky Mount, who was killed in 1967 during the Vietnam War; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Veterans Council has designated June 14, 2006, Flag Day, as "Veterans Day at the Legislature" for veterans of North Carolina; and
Whereas, on behalf of the State of North Carolina, the General Assembly wishes to express its gratitude and profound appreciation to the current, retired, and deceased members of the armed forces for their service to the United States during the observance of Flag Day; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly honors the memory of the members of the armed forces who gave their lives in defense of the safety and liberty of the people of the United States.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly acknowledges and expresses its profound appreciation and gratitude to all of North Carolina's veterans past and present for the service they have rendered our nation and our State.
SECTION 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the living Medal of Honor recipients named in this resolution and to the family of Harold B. Durham, Jr.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.