GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2001
H	1
HOUSE BILL 114

 
 
Short Title:	American Ex-Prisoners of War Highway.	()	
Sponsors:	Representatives Warner, Hurley, Lucas;  Barefoot, Esposito, Justus, Morris, and Wainwright.	
Referred to:	Transportation.	
February 15, 2001

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO DESIGNATE U.S. HIGHWAY 70 IN NORTH CAROLINA AS The "Blue Star Memorial and AMERICAN EX-PRIsONERS of war HIGHWAY".

Whereas, many patriotic North Carolina citizens have served meritoriously in the armed forces of the United States of America in conflicts necessary to preserve the liberty and independence of this nation and to promote and project the democratic, freedom‑loving values championed by this country; and
Whereas, some of these North Carolina soldiers suffered wounds, often with imminent danger to their lives and with grievous pain, while engaged in combat with and being held prisoner by the enemy; and
Whereas, in many cases, these soldiers continued heroic determination and effectiveness, while ignoring their intense physical pain and the constant threat to their lives; they staunchly refused to divulge information to aid the enemy; and
Whereas, the United States of America reserves a special combat decoration for these held prisoners of war, The Prisoner of War Medal; and
Whereas, many ex‑prisoners of war have been awarded The Prisoner of War Medal for their sacrifice in service to America, their fellow citizens, their combat unit and their comrades, and in recognition of their personal suffering and their fierce determination never to capitulate; and
Whereas, North Carolina ex‑prisoners of war should be remembered across this great State for their personal endurance without food, without heat, without the essentials of health, and without communication; and
Whereas, these courageous soldiers, who suffered great stress and hardship to their minds and bodies while rendering heroic service to their country, should also be specially honored for their patriotic valor in combat; and
Whereas, other states along United States Highway 70 have designated the highway within their borders as the "American Ex‑Prisoners of War Highway"; and
Whereas, currently, United States Highway 70 within the borders of North Carolina is designated as the "Blue Star Memorial Highway" which pays tribute to those killed during World War II; and
Whereas, it is appropriate that this legislative body also recognize with the most profound gratitude the heroic, patriotic service of all North Carolina ex‑prisoners of war across this great State; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  G.S. 136‑102.1 reads as rewritten:
"§ 136‑102.1.  Blue Star Memorial and American Ex-Prisoners of War Highway.
All of the United States Highway #70, wherever located in North Carolina shall be known and designated as the "Blue Star Memorial and American Ex-Prisoners of War Highway." The designation shall pay tribute to the many North Carolinians killed during World War II and to all North Carolina's ex-prisoners of war.
"
SECTION 2.  The Department of Transportation shall, with the assistance of the Division of Veterans Affairs, design and place appropriate signage consistent with State and federal regulations near U.S. Highway 70 within the borders of North Carolina implementing Section 1 of this act.
SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.