Senate Concurrent Resolution
No. 82
CHAPTER 91
Relative to California veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan.
[
Filed with
Secretary of State
August 24, 2012.
]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SCR 82, Blakeslee.
California veterans of the Iraq War: memorial.
This measure would commemorate and honor the service and sacrifice of the members of the United States Armed Forces who supported the operations in Iraq, and their families, as the official combat mission in Iraq draws to a close. This measure would encourage mayors and communities across the State of California to honor veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan on November 11, 2012, in Veterans Day parades, ceremonies, and other displays of our state’s gratitude for their service and sacrifice. This measure would also request that the Department of General Services work with appropriate 3rd parties to
advise and oversee the creation of a memorial for the California veterans who fought and served in Iraq and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources covering the design, construction, and maintenance costs and ensuring that the memorial is in the best interest of the State Capitol Park, erect that memorial, in accordance with California law, in the State Capitol Park. This measure would state the intent of the Legislature to enact future legislation authorizing the creation of a larger memorial commemorating and thanking those who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Digest Key
Fiscal Committee:
YES WHEREAS, Nearly 1,500,000 members of the United States Armed Forces served in Iraq, thousands of whom are residents of the State of California, many serving on multiple deployments; and
WHEREAS, The members of the United States Armed Forces who served in support of operations in Iraq performed brilliantly in a highly complex and challenging environment, and did everything that was asked of them, and more, to meet the requirements of the mission; and
WHEREAS, Thousands of members of the United States National Guard and Reserves left their civilian jobs and livelihoods to support operations in Iraq, making enormous contributions, and serving with distinction; and
WHEREAS, Nearly 4,500 members of the United States Armed Forces, 668 of whom were residents of the State of California, made the ultimate sacrifice in giving their lives in support of operations in Iraq; and
WHEREAS, More than 30,000 members of the United States Armed Forces, 5,713 of whom are residents of the State of California, were wounded serving in support of operations in Iraq; and
WHEREAS, Families of the members of the United States Armed Forces serving in Iraq endured repeated deployments and spent many holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries apart; and
WHEREAS, After nearly nine years of combat, we welcome home our veterans and continue to support members of the United States Armed Forces deployed in Afghanistan and elsewhere in the world; and
WHEREAS, Iraq’s destiny and future development now lie with its people; and
WHEREAS, The people of the United States recognize the service and sacrifices made by those members of the United States Armed Forces and veterans, as well as their families; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature officially welcomes home the members of the United States Armed Forces who served our nation with honor, bravery, and distinction; pays tribute to the members of the United States Armed Forces who served in support of operations in Iraq; calls on the people of the State of California to reflect on the service of those members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans, and their families, and honor their sacrifices; and commemorates and honors the contribution, service, and sacrifice made by members of the United States Armed Forces and their families, as the official combat mission in Iraq draws to a close by erecting a memorial in the State Capitol Park; and be it further
Resolved, That mayors and communities across the State of California are encouraged to honor veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan on November 11, 2012, in Veterans Day parades, ceremonies, and other displays of our state’s gratitude for their service and sacrifice; and be it further
Resolved, That the Department of General Services is requested to work with appropriate third parties to advise and oversee the creation of a memorial honoring the California veterans who fought and served in Iraq and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources covering the design, construction, and maintenance costs and ensuring that the memorial is in the best interest of the State Capitol Park, erect that memorial, in accordance with California law, in the State Capitol Park;
and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature intends to enact future legislation authorizing the creation of a larger memorial commemorating and thanking those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the Director of General Services and to the author for appropriate distribution.