SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 24
(By Senators Prezioso, Edgell, Bailey, Dittmar, Helmick, Hunter,
Minard, Oliverio, Boley, Fanning, Walker, Plymale, Bowman,
Minear, Jackson, Snyder, Chafin, Anderson, Kessler, Sharpe, Ross,
Schoonover, Love, Ball, Mitchell, McKenzie, McCabe, Sprouse,
Deem, Craigo and Tomblin, Mr. President)
Honoring the many West Virginians who have given their lives and
those who have been wounded in battle for the preservation of
peace and freedom throughout the world.
Whereas, Americans have always risen to the call of duty, from
the Revolutionary War, which gave us our freedom, to recent
struggles with Iraq, in order to not only preserve our freedom, but
to help maintain freedom throughout the world; and
Whereas, Perhaps the greatest test of the preservation of our
freedom since the Revolutionary War was the Civil War. America was
not under attack by a foreign land, but from enemies within. From
this terrible conflict, which pitted brother against brother,
American against American, the State of West Virginia was born; and
Whereas, Since the time of West Virginia's birth, our favorite
sons and daughters have risen to the call of duty in large numbers;
and
Whereas, Per capita, more citizens from West Virginia have
served in our nation's armed forces than from any other state in the union. We are proud of our citizens who, in spite of danger,
have done what they must for peace and freedom; and
Whereas, From World War I to recent conflicts, 10,347 brave
West Virginians have paid the ultimate price for freedom with their
lives and thousands more brave West Virginians have been wounded in
battle; and
Whereas, As America prepares to enter a new millennium, it is
fitting that we call to mind the many brave West Virginians who
have given their lives for not only our freedom, but for freedom
around the world. It is also fitting that we call to mind the many
brave West Virginians who faced the enemy and were wounded in their
struggle to preserve freedom; and
Whereas, In preparation for the new millennium, we should
renew the goal set for us by President John F. Kennedy who said,
"Our goal is not the victory of might, but the vindication of
right; not peace at the expense of freedom, but both peace and
freedom, here in this hemisphere, and around the world. God
willing that goal will be achieved."; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby honors the many brave sons and
daughters who have given their lives for the preservation of
freedom, not only at home, but around the world; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate hereby commends the many
brave West Virginians who have been wounded in action as they fought to preserve peace and freedom; and, be it
Further Resolved, That as the new millennium approaches, the
historic changes in our nation caused by armed conflicts of the
past should never be forgotten, lest they be repeated. Our goal
for the vindication of right and of peace and freedom should be
renewed; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to the Division of Veterans Affairs and
the Military Order of the Purple Heart.