A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to appropriate funds to the war memorial foundation, inc., to complete construction of the carolina field of honor in kernersville.
Whereas, the War Memorial Foundation, Inc., located in Greensboro, North Carolina, is a 501(c)(3) foundation founded to construct the Carolina Field of Honor War Memorial located on the Forsyth/Guilford County line at Triad Park in Kernersville; and
Whereas, the Carolina Field of Honor will be a fitting memorial to military service personnel from all branches of the United States Armed Services who have served in the past, are currently serving, and will serve in the future; and
Whereas, the State of North Carolina is well known as the "most military friendly state" that has served and is serving as home to many thousands of veterans and active military personnel who have consistently and honorably protected our beloved nation in times of war over many years; and
Whereas, the Field of Honor is a five million dollar project that has received tremendous support from Guilford and Forsyth Counties, the Cities of High Point, Greensboro, and Winston‑Salem and from local businesses and citizens with 80% of the necessary funding raised by the all‑volunteer board of directors made up of veterans and veterans' spouses; and
Whereas, of the funds raised, less than 1% is used for administrative and overhead costs with the great majority of donations going directly to construction of the project, and once construction is completed, Forsyth and Guilford Counties have committed to assume all future maintenance and care of the Memorial; and
Whereas, the Memorial will be constructed on an 8 ½ acre tract featuring tributes to each branch of service in the form of granite monuments, flags, obelisk and water features, and historical brick walkways with a parade field and amphitheater with 2,000+ seating capacity; and
Whereas, upon completion, the Carolina Field of Honor will serve as a fitting memorial to the sacrifices and contributions of all our servicemen and women and will be an important destination point for North Carolinians as well as travelers from other states and countries, and it is deemed appropriate that the State of North Carolina assist in funding the completion of this signature public memorial site; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to War Memorial Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, the sum of three hundred fifty thousand dollars ($350,000) for the 2013‑2014 fiscal year to complete the Carolina Field of Honor, a memorial to service personnel of all branches of the Armed Services to be located at Triad Park in Kernersville.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2013.