SEARCH SITE

VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL

SEARCHABLE DATABASES

ACROSS SESSIONS

Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

2000 SESSION

005801704
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 150
House Amendments in [ ] -- February 10, 2000
Expressing the support of the General Assembly for Virginia’s contribution to the completion of the National World War II Memorial, encouraging the citizens of Virginia to make private contributions, and requesting each state which has not done so to contribute.
----------
Patron-- Davis
----------
Referred to Committee on Militia and Police
----------

WHEREAS, the American Battle Monuments Commission was authorized by PL103-32 in 1993 to establish a World War II memorial in our nation’s capital to honor those who served in World War II and to commemorate the United States' participation in that conflict; and

WHEREAS, a National World War II Memorial Advisory Board was appointed to advise the Commission with regards to the design and location of the memorial and to raise funds for its completion; and

WHEREAS, the National World War II Memorial will be the first national monument dedicated to all men and women who served in the armed forces and merchant marines of the United States during World War II and acknowledging the commitment and achievement of the entire nation during that time; and

WHEREAS, the memorial will be located on the National Mall, a prominent location commensurate with the historical importance and lasting significance of World War II to America and the world; and

WHEREAS, 334,000 men and women from Virginia served in the armed forces during World War II, including 5,301 who made the ultimate sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, federal law requires that the memorial be funded almost entirely from private contributions and the Memorial Advisory Board established the National World War II Memorial Campaign, chaired by former Senator Robert Dole, to raise the private funds; and

WHEREAS, the estimated cost to design, construct, and maintain the memorial is $100 million, of which $70 million has been raised; and

WHEREAS, among the Memorial Campaign’s efforts is the “Dollar Per Vet” initiative, which asks each state government to contribute one dollar for each World War II veteran from that state; and

WHEREAS, 24 states have responded to this request and another 25 are expected to take action this year; and

WHEREAS, the governor of the Commonwealth has included in his proposed budget for the first year of the 2000-2002 biennium an appropriation of $334,000 as Virginia’s share of the memorial fund; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, [ That the General Assembly support Virginia's contribution to the completion of the National World War II Memorial, encourage the citizens of Virginia to make private contributions, and request each state which has not done so to contribute; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, ] That the General Assembly commend the governor for recognizing the Commonwealth’s debt to those who served in World War II; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the General Assembly likewise pledge its support for this effort permanently to commemorate the sacrifice and commitment demonstrated by the American people at that time for the defense of the nation and the cause of freedom from tyranny throughout the world; and, be it

[ RESOLVED FURTHER, That the General Assembly urge the citizens of the Commonwealth, both individually and through their private organizations, to contribute to the completion of the memorial; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the General Assembly request each state that has not done so to appropriate its share to the National World War II Memorial Campaign, recognizing that only if every state participates will the memorial truly stand as a symbol of national unity and a reminder of the moral strength and power that can flow when a free people unite in a common and just cause; and, be it ]

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates transmit a copy of this resolution to Peter Wheeler, chairman of the National World War II Memorial Advisory Board, so that the Board may be apprised of the General Assembly’s support of its efforts to bring to fruition a memorial that will inspire future generations and deepen their understanding and appreciation for what the World War II generation accomplished in securing freedom and democracy.