Bill Text: DE HJR16 | 2011-2012 | 146th General Assembly | Draft
Bill Title: Supporting The Creation Of A National Pow/mia Trailway System And Recommending That The Segment Of The Abandoned Pennsylvania Railroad Running From South Market Street In Wilmington To Battery Park In New Castle Be Designated As The First Segment Thereof.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2012-07-27 - Signed by Governor [HJR16 Detail]
Download: Delaware-2011-HJR16-Draft.html
|
SPONSOR: |
Rep. Brady & Sen. McDowell |
|
Reps. Barbieri, J. Johnson, Walker, Willis; Sens. Bunting, Sorenson, Venables |
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 146th GENERAL ASSEMBLY |
|
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 16 |
|
SUPPORTING THE CREATION OF A NATIONAL POW/MIA TRAILWAY SYSTEM AND RECOMMENDING THAT THE SEGMENT OF THE ABANDONED PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD RUNNING FROM SOUTH MARKET STREET IN WILMINGTON TO BATTERY PARK IN NEW CASTLE BE DESIGNATED AS THE FIRST SEGMENT THEREOF. |
WHEREAS, members of the United States Armed Forces have fought on behalf of their country in many wars; and
WHEREAS, thousands of Americans who served in times of war were captured by the enemy or listed as missing in action; and
WHEREAS, many American prisoners of war were subjected to brutal and inhuman treatment by their captors in violation of international codes and customs for the treatment of prisoners of war, and many prisoners of war died from such treatment; and
WHEREAS, many of these Americans are still missing and unaccounted for, and the uncertainty surrounding their fates has caused their families to suffer great anxiety and hardship; and
WHEREAS, the terms "Prisoner of War" and "Missing in Action" have special significance to the brave individuals who have served in our Nation's military; and
WHEREAS, the sacrifices of Americans still missing and unaccounted for and their families are deserving of national recognition and support; and
WHEREAS, a national POW/MIA Trailway System would create a nationwide network of trails for biking, hiking, walking, and running built on abandoned rail lines, with each approximate half mile being dedicated in remembrance of prisoner of war or service member listed as missing in action; and
WHEREAS, a network for such activities promotes health and wellness; and
WHEREAS, the six-mile long branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad running between the Wilmington Riverfront and City of New Castle was originally built around 1888 and abandoned in 1984, and the tracks were removed in the mid-1990s; and
WHEREAS, this segment of the Pennsylvania Railroad has historical significance, as it not only facilitated passengers' travels from New York, Philadelphia, and Wilmington to Dover and Cape Charles, Virginia, but alsowas frequently used to carry troop trains during World War I and World War II; and
WHEREAS, the General Assembly believes it is appropriate that Delaware, having been the first state to ratify the United States Constitution, be the first state to designate a portion of abandoned railway as the first national POW/MIA Trailway.
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives and the Senate of the 146th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, with the approval of the Governor, that the State hereby supports the creation of a national POW/MIA Trailway System.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the House of Representatives and the Senate of the 146th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, with the approval of the Governor, that the segment of the abandoned Pennsylvania Railroad running from the South Market Street Bridge in Wilmington to Battery Park in New Castle is designated as the first segment of a national POW/MIA National Trailway System.
SYNOPSIS
|
