SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 56

(By Senators Hunter, Wells, Bailey, Edgell, Minard, Oliverio, Boley, Hall and Sypolt)

[Originating in the Committee on Military]


Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the eligibility of certain veterans to have their names placed on the Veterans Memorial Monument which is located on the grounds of the State Capitol.

Whereas, At the time the Legislature approved the funding of the Veterans Memorial Monument to honor and remember those West Virginians who gave their lives for our freedom and liberties it was provided that the names of only those killed in the twentieth century were eligible for placement on those hallowed walls; and
Whereas, With the conflicts in Kosovo, Afghanistan and the war in Iraq, West Virginia's armed forces have died as a result of their service, due to armed conflict or other causes; and
Whereas, Because of their ultimate sacrifice while serving America, these soldiers are worthy and deserving of having their names placed on the Veterans Memorial Monument or on an addition to the monument to honor them and their loved ones; and
Whereas, The present policies should be changed to permit the adding of names of those who died in any conflict after the twentieth century to this sacred shrine and to provide sufficient funds for such addition and the correction of all errors now existing on the present shrine, such as the correct spelling of names, missing names and any other changes necessary to make the information on the veterans monument accurate; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the eligibility of certain veterans to have their names placed on the Veterans Memorial Monument which is located on the grounds of the State Capitol; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2009, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendation; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.