This week marks 25 years since the United States, as part of a 34-nation coalition, drove Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi army out of Kuwait, returning that nation’s sovereignty and reshaping the U.S. military to the force it is today.
Governor McCrory, U.S. Service Members and North Carolina Veterans joined Secretary Cornell Wilson, and Secretary Susan Kluttz, Department of Natural and Cultural Resources in honoring the 17 North Carolina servicemen who gave their lives during the war.
On the 25th Anniversary of the start of Operation Desert Storm, January 17, 2016, the North Carolina Division of Military and Veterans Affairs will distribute a $100,000 memorial fund to the state’s history museum, Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, for development of a traveling exhibit honoring and memorializing the first Persian Gulf War.
"Honoring our veterans and the lives of those who have sacrificed for our country is among our most sacred duties," said Governor McCrory. "This memorial fund will go a long way to honor those that lost their lives 25 years ago and ensure that their sacrifice, as well as the sacrifice of all that serve and their families, is never forgotten."
North Carolina has been in possession of the $100,000 since the gift was made by the Kuwaiti Government in 1992 as seed money for a larger memorial estimated to cost $500,000. For a variety of reasons the effort stalled and the money sat unused for 24 years, until now.
“We are grateful for this generous gift,” said Secretary Kluttz. “We are always honored to be able to commemorate the courageous acts of our service members who are selfless in their actions to protect our freedoms.”
More than 75,000 Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airmen stationed in North Carolina served during the Persian Gulf War in support of the liberation of the Kuwait; providing 40 percent of the combat power.
“Twenty-five years ago, North Carolina’s Active Military, Reserve and National Guard were called upon to embark on a new mission in support of the liberation of Kuwait. The actions of these men and women continue to be evident in actions taken to promote freedom, democracy and prosperity in the Middle East region. We must continue to honor and cherish the values of North Carolinas service members and continue to pay tribute to all of the military personnel who served and gave their lives during the war,” commented Secretary Cornell Wilson.
In addition, Governor McCrory signed a proclamation recognizing the 25th anniversary of the Persian Gulf War.
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