A HOUSE RESOLUTION expressing gratitude and appreciation to our veterans.
Whereas, North Carolina is proud to be home to generations of brave men and women who have valiantly defended our nation and upheld its principles of democracy and freedom; and
Whereas, these veterans have placed our nation's security before their own lives, creating a debt that we can never fully repay; and
Whereas, veterans should be remembered and honored for their service and personal sacrifice for the greater good of our nation; some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our country and the freedoms enjoyed by our citizens and all Americans; and
Whereas, North Carolina has a rich military history and is home to six major Department of Defense (DOD)/Department of Homeland Security (DHS) installations: Fort Bragg; Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base; Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and Naval Air Depot; New River Marine Corps Air Station; Seymour Johnson Air Force Base; and U.S. Coast Guard Base, Elizabeth City; as well as the Sunny Point Military Ocean Terminal, the North Carolina National Guard, Reserve Components, and other DOD/DHS activities and organizations; and
Whereas, according to the most recent data from the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, North Carolina's veteran population is approximately 772,421, including 594,208 veterans who served during times of war and 178,213 who served during times of peace; and
Whereas, of that number of veterans living in North Carolina, 17,924 served during World War II; 47,111 served during the Korean Conflict; 243,034 served during the Vietnam Era; and more than 311,245 have served during the Gulf Wars; and
Whereas, as of 2015, North Carolina ranked sixth in the nation for military retirees numbering over 92,619 and ranked second for veterans living in rural areas numbering more than 137,000; and
Whereas, North Carolina also has over 129,000 active‑duty military personnel and reserve members residing in the State, making North Carolina one of the largest active‑duty military populations in our entire country; and
Whereas, the people of North Carolina are grateful to all of our heroic veterans for their selfless service to our State and our nation; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives extends its profound gratitude and appreciation to all the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces for their selfless service.
SECTION 2.  The House of Representatives wishes to honor the memory of those who have lost their lives in defense of the safety and liberty of the people of the United States of America.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.