GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2009

RATIFIED BILL

RESOLUTION 2009-19

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 383

A JOINT RESOLUTION honoring the founder of the house of flags museum.

Whereas, the House of Flags Museum opened on September 8, 2001, in a temporary facility in Green Creek, North Carolina; and

Whereas, the House of Flags Museum has a collection of more than 300 national, international, state, military, and religious flags, including 27 full‑size official United States flags from 1776 to 1960; and

Whereas, the Museum's mission is to provide a unique tourist destination in North Carolina dedicated to nurturing and promoting patriotism, flag etiquette, and historical understanding of the evolution of our nation's flag through flag displays and a variety of education programs and activities for all visitors; and

Whereas, Museum visitors can take guided or self‑guided tours or watch educational videos to learn about the flags in the collection, all of which were donated by local veterans, citizens, and visitors or purchased through donations; and

Whereas, plans have been made to establish a permanent facility to house the House of Flags Museum in Columbus, North Carolina; and

Whereas, the House of Flags Museum was founded by George Scofield and the members of the VFW Post 9116; and

Whereas, George Scofield worked tirelessly to instill patriotism in younger generations and was widely known for using the phrase "31 Words, Three Commas," which he used to refer to the Pledge of Allegiance; and

Whereas, George Scofield served as the curator of the Museum prior to his death on November 25, 2008; Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

SECTION 1.  The General Assembly expresses its support for the House of Flags Museum in its efforts to promote patriotism and tourism in the State.

SECTION 2.  The General Assembly honors the life and memory of George Scofield and expresses its appreciation for the service he rendered to his community, State, and nation, including founding the House of Flags Museum.

SECTION 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the House of Flags Museum.

SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 8^th day of June, 2009.

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                                                                         Walter H. Dalton

                                                                         President of the Senate

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                                                                         Joe Hackney

                                                                         Speaker of the House of Representatives