0Report Title:

Korean War Commission

Description:

Appropriates $100,000 to fund the Korean War Commission for one year.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

657

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION OF THE KOREAN WAR COMMISSION.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. In 1999, the governor, through Executive Order No. 99-07, honored the men and women who served in Korea by establishing the fiftieth anniversary commemoration of the Korean War commission. In 2000, the legislature passed Act 232, which appropriated $70,000 to support the commission's efforts.

The legislature finds that these types of events serve as a poignant reminder of the dedication and courage required to defend and preserve our most cherished ideals of freedom and democracy. The soldiers, sailors, and airmen who fought in the so-called "Forgotten War" deserve to be honored and remembered for their bravery and sacrifice--over thirty thousand American servicemen fought and died, many thousands more injured, to ensure the independence and freedom of South Korea.

The legislature further finds that military commemorations such as these are particularly timely in light of recent events in Afghanistan and Iraq, where thousands of American troops are actively involved in combat or deployed and standing in harm's way.

The legislature notes that the activities of the fiftieth anniversary commemoration of the Korean War commission complement events being held around the nation to honor the servicemen who fought in Korea. The United States Congress designated the period from June 25, 2000, to November 11, 2003, as the official commemoration period. As 2003 represents the finale year of this commemoration period, a variety of events are scheduled throughout the year, including candlelight ceremonies, veterans' reunions, and a POW/MIA recognition day. These events are intended to serve as a lasting and meaningful tribute to the "forgotten" men and women who made untold sacrifices in support of the principles on which this nation was founded upon.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to assist the fiftieth anniversary commemoration of the Korean War commission in commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the end of the Korean War.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $100,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2003-2004 to carry out the functions of the fiftieth anniversary commemoration of the Korean War commission.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of defense for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2003.

INTRODUCED BY:

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