SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SJM 8027

              As Passed Senate, February 14, 2000

Brief Description:  Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Korean War.

Sponsors:  Senators Shin, Bauer, Heavey, Benton, Franklin, Eide, Patterson, Kline, Johnson, Gardner, Thibaudeau, Rossi, Goings, Hargrove, B. Sheldon, Horn, Haugen, Hochstatter, T. Sheldon, Swecker, Jacobsen, Fairley, Rasmussen, Prentice, Snyder, Hale, Stevens, Roach, Honeyford, Spanel, Loveland, Fraser, Brown, Costa, McAuliffe, Kohl‑Welles and Oke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  2/2/2000, 2/3/2000 [DP].

Passed Senate, 2/14/2000, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Patterson, Chair; Gardner, Vice Chair; Hale, Haugen, Horn, Kline and McCaslin.

Staff:  Diane Smith (786-7410)

Background:  On Sunday, June 25, 1950, seven North Korean Army Divisions supported by tanks and aircraft, conducted an attack and invaded the Southern Republic of Korea.  Three years and five million casualties later, a cease fire was secured ending the fighting only miles from where it began.  Nearly 4,500 citizens of our state served in the Korean War, known as Athe Forgotten War,@ and 472 were killed in action.  As a nation, we should educate every generation of Americans on the history of the Korean War in preserving our nation=s liberty, freedom, and prosperity.  Commemorating this event will provide Americans with a clear understanding of, and appreciation for, the sacrifices of these veterans and their families.

Summary of Bill:  The Legislature respectfully prays that the Governor of the state of Washington, Gary Locke, designate the years 2000 and 2003 as the 50^th anniversaries of the beginning and the end of the Korean War to honor all veterans of this nation and our allies during the Korean War as well as those serving there today, and to encourage all citizens of the state to combine their efforts with veterans= service organizations and educational institutions to remember, and perpetuate the meaning of sacrifice for peace and freedom, by honoring those veterans who secured that legacy for future generations throughout the world.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  Thousands suffered, died and sacrificed in the cause of freedom in the Korean War.  The soldiers, their families, children and grandchildren should rightly be honored.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Shin, prime sponsor.