A JOINT RESOLUTION expressing gratitude to the members of the military for their service and honoring the memory of those killed in the line of duty.

Whereas, Memorial Day was first observed as Decoration Day on May 30, 1868, as an occasion to decorate the graves of Civil War soldiers; and
Whereas, after World War I, Decoration Day was expanded to honor service members killed in all of our nation's wars and, after World War II, Decoration Day became known as Memorial Day; and
Whereas, in 1971, Congress established Memorial Day as a federal holiday to be observed on the last Monday of May; and
Whereas, as we observe Memorial Day in 2010, it is important to reflect upon the contributions and sacrifices the men and women of our armed forces have made in upholding the principles of democracy and liberty while in service to our nation; and
Whereas, it is fitting to honor and commend the North Carolinians, as well as the men and women that served with military units based in North Carolina, who were killed in the line of duty; Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

SECTION 1.  The General Assembly expresses its profound gratitude and appreciation to all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces for their selfless service.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly wishes to honor the memory of Marine Corps Captain Seth Mitchell and all of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who were from North Carolina or had ties to the State and lost their lives during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan since May 25, 2009.
SECTION 3.  The General Assembly wishes to honor the memory of United States Navy Lieutenant Paul B. Stam, who served during World War II, and all the veterans of past wars who have died since the last Memorial Day.
SECTION 4.  The General Assembly wishes to honor the memory of all of our North Carolina National Guard members who lost their lives while serving on active duty since May 21, 2009, as follows:
Major Jason George
Sergeant Paul F. Brooks
1st Lieutenant Leevi K. Barnard
Sergeant Roger L. Adams
Specialist Robert L. Bittiker
Sergeant Juan C. Baldeosingh
Staff Sergeant Edward C. Kramer
Specialist Felicia Hill.
SECTION 5.  The General Assembly extends its deepest sympathy to the families of the above named service members who made the ultimate sacrifice to help secure the freedom of the United States of America. The people of the State of North Carolina owe a debt to these brave service members and solemnly pledge that they shall never be forgotten.
SECTION 6.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 27th day of May, 2010.

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		 Walter H. Dalton
	 President of the Senate

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		 William L. Wainwright
	 Speaker Pro Tempore of the House of Representatives