A HOUSE RESOLUTION expressing gratitude to the members of the military for their service and honoring the memory of those killed in the line of duty.
Whereas, Memorial Day was first observed as Decoration Day on May 30, 1868, as an occasion to decorate the graves of Civil War soldiers; and
Whereas, after World War I, Decoration Day was expanded to honor service members killed in all of our nation's wars and, after World War II, Decoration Day became known as Memorial Day; and
Whereas, in 1971, Congress established Memorial Day as a federal holiday to be observed on the last Monday of May; and
Whereas, as we observe Memorial Day in 2011, it is important to reflect upon the contributions and sacrifices the men and women of our Armed Forces have made in upholding the principles of democracy and liberty while in service to our nation; and
Whereas, it is fitting to honor and commend the North Carolinians, as well as the men and women that served with military units based in North Carolina, who were killed in the line of duty; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives expresses its profound gratitude and appreciation to all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces for their selfless service.
SECTION 2.  The House of Representatives wishes to honor the memory of all of the members of the military from North Carolina who lost their lives while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom since May 24, 2010, as follows:
Army Pfc. Christopher R. Barton, Concord, North Carolina
Army Master Sgt. Jamal H. Bowers, Raleigh, North Carolina
Army Spc. Jacob C. Carroll, Clemmons, North Carolina
Marine Lance Cpl. Ross S. Carver, Rocky Point, North Carolina
Army Staff Sgt. Adam L. Dickmyer, Winston‑Salem, North Carolina
Army Sgt. Donald R. Edgerton, Murphy, North Carolina
Army Spc. Matthew E. George, Grantsboro, North Carolina
Army Pfc. James F. McClamrock, Huntersville, North Carolina
Army Sgt. Willie A. McLawhorn, Jr., Conway, North Carolina
Army Pfc. Amy R. Sinkler, Chadbourn, North Carolina
Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Terry L. Varnadore II, Hendersonville, North Carolina
Army Pfc. Christian M. Warriner, Mills River, North Carolina.
SECTION 3.  The General Assembly wishes to honor the memory of all the veterans of past wars who have died since the last Memorial Day.
SECTION 4.  The House of Representatives wishes to honor the memory of the following members of the North Carolina National Guard who died since May 24, 2010:
Staff Sgt. Christopher Edge
Cpt. Kerry Hathcock
Sgt. Karen Herrera
1st Lt. Kevin Marks
Pfc. Mark Rakes
Spc. John Pace
Staff Sgt. Aldridge Ferrell
Spc. Kenneth Carl
Sgt. Curtis Yannone
SECTION 5.  The House of Representatives extends its deepest sympathy to the families of the service members named above who made the ultimate sacrifice to help secure the freedom of the United States of America. The people of the State of North Carolina owe a debt to these brave service members and solemnly pledge that they shall never be forgotten.
SECTION 6.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.