SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 6

(By Senators Ferns, Carmichael (Mr. President),  Weld, Stollings, Beach, Plymale, and Boso)

[Introduced January 17, 2018]

Encouraging and supporting the construction of a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument on the West Virginia State Capitol grounds.

Whereas, The mission of the Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation is to honor Gold Star families, relatives, and children by building Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments throughout the United States, by offering scholarships to Gold Star children, by sponsoring outreach programs and events, and by educating communities about Gold Star families and the sacrifice they have endured; and

Whereas, The goal of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument initiative is to establish a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in all 50 states for the purpose of honoring Gold Star families, preserving the memory of the fallen, and to stand as a stark reminder that freedom is not free; and

Whereas, Through its core values of courage, sacrifice, patriotism, citizenship, integrity, and commitment, the Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation will honor Gold Star families in West Virginia by building this monument on the grounds of the West Virginia State Capitol; and

Whereas, Per capita, more citizens from West Virginia have served in our nation’s armed forces than from any other state, and this monument will honor those West Virginia families who sacrificed a loved one for our freedom; and

Whereas, On behalf of the citizens of West Virginia, it is fitting that we offer this resolution in support of the Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation and West Virginia Gold Star families for the important work they do and in honor of the sacrifices they have made; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Legislature hereby encourages and supports the construction of a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument on the West Virginia State Capitol grounds; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Legislature will work with the Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation, the Governor of West Virginia, the Honorable Jim Justice, and all other entities involved to ensure the construction of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument on the West Virginia State Capitol grounds; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Legislature extends its sincere gratitude and appreciation to West Virginia Gold Star families for their sacrifice; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation and the Governor of West Virginia, the Honorable Jim Justice.