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 in May; and
Whereas, as we observe Memorial Day in 2014, 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 that 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 that we enjoy; 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, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn since May 25, 2013, as follows:
Army Sergeant William D. Brown III, Franklin, North Carolina
Army Sergeant Peter Bohler, Willow Spring, North Carolina
Army Specialist Andrew H. Sipple, Cary, North Carolina.
SECTION 3.  The House of Representatives 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 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 adoption.