GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2013

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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION DRHJR30064-LG-29  (01/30)

Sponsors:	Representatives Blust, Cleveland, D. Hall, and Floyd (Primary Sponsors).
Referred to:

a joint 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 2013, it is important to remember and reflect upon the contributions and sacrifices the men and women of our Armed Forces have made in upholding the principles which are the foundation of our 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 who served with military units based in North Carolina, who were killed in the line of duty and thus paid the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the freedom which we enjoy; Now, therefore,

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

SECTION 1.  The General Assembly 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 General Assembly 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, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn since May 25, 2012, as follows:

Army Specialist Trevor B. Adkins, Spring Lake, North Carolina

Army Staff Sergeant Rayvon Battle, Jr., Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Navy Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (EXW) Sean E. Brazas, Greensboro, North Carolina

Army Sergeant Thomas J. Butler IV, Wilmington, North Carolina

Army Sergeant Jeremy F. Hardison, Maysville, North Carolina

Army Corporal Darrion T. Hicks, Raleigh, North Carolina

Army Sergeant Donna R. Johnson, Raeford, North Carolina

Army Specialist James A. Justice, Grover, North Carolina

Marine Corporal Daniel L. Linnabary II, Hubert, North Carolina

Army Staff Sergeant Justin C. Marquez, Aberdeen, North Carolina

Army Specialist Joshua Nelson, Greenville, 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 General Assembly 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 5.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.