COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
FOR
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 7
(By Senators Buckalew, Dittmar, McKenzie, Kimble, Jackson,
Craigo, Bowman, Plymale, Walker, Chafin, Bailey, Snyder, White,
Prezioso, Helmick, Fanning, Kessler, Sharpe, Ross, Schoonover,
Ball, Hunter, Sprouse, Oliverio, Deem, Dugan and Tomblin, Mr.
President)
Requesting the West Virginia Division of Highways to name a section
of Interstate 77 in honor of the veterans of the Korean War.
Whereas, The military struggle fought on the Korean Peninsula
from June, 1950, to July, 1953, began with the invasion of North
Korea crossing the 38th parallel into South Korea. The conflict
swiftly developed into a war not only with North Korea but also
China. The United Nations' forces involved the United States and
19 other nations; and
Whereas, During this struggle to halt communist aggression, U.
S. troop strength remained at 260,000, while forces from other U.
N. nations stayed at about 35,000. Communist forces increased to
858,000; and
Whereas, Korea was the first battlefield in history to witness
the air power of supersonic jet aircraft; and
Whereas, Such historical battlefields as Old Baldy, Pork Chop Hill and Heartbreak Ridge entered into the pages of history; and
Whereas, History also recorded the firing of a commanding
general by a president with whom his military strategy differed;
and
Whereas, The Korean War was terminated in July, 1953, after
more than three years of conflict. At war's end, the United States
had suffered 157,000 casualties, including over 2,000 West
Virginians. There were 56,000 American's killed in Korea, including
over 800 West Virginians; and
Whereas, As a fitting tribute to those who fought against
communist aggression in Korea, and especially those who were
killed, a section of Interstate 77 between Charleston and the Ohio
border should be dedicated as a memorial; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Legislature hereby requests the West Virginia
Division of Highways to name a section of Interstate 77 between
Charleston and the Ohio border in honor of the veterans of the
Korean War, especially memorializing the lives of those who died in
pursuit of freedom for all mankind and to install appropriate signs
to that effect along the so-named section of highwatyy; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby
directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Secretary of
the Department of Transportation and the Commissioner of the
Division of Highways.