Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Military And Veterans topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House panel backs bill to designate May as Military Appreciation Month
Summary
The House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee voted to pass HB 1148, which would codify May as Military Appreciation Month in North Dakota law and direct the governor to issue an annual proclamation on May 1.
Representative Kathy Fralick, sponsor of House Bill 1148, told the House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee on Jan. 16 that the bill would designate May as Military Appreciation Month and require the governor to issue a proclamation on May 1.
The bill, Fralick said, was brought to her by a constituent and was drafted as a bill rather than a short-term resolution so the recognition would be codified in the North Dakota Century Code rather than renewed every legislative session. "I believe we cannot do enough to show our appreciation to our military members ... and I hope you will concur," Fralick said.
Jason Pierce, commander of VFW Post 756 in Devil’s Lake and a retired service member, testified in support. Pierce described deployments and state missions by North Dakota Guard members and urged lawmakers to create a recurring month for honoring both currently serving service members and veterans: "We as a state need to say thank you," he said, explaining May was chosen to align with Memorial Day and related observances.
Testimony from the North Dakota Veterans Legislative Council and Commissioner Lonnie Wongen also supported the bill. Joe Hall of the Veterans Legislative Council asked for a "do pass" recommendation. Commissioner Wongen listed numerous military-related observances in May and said the month already contains several Armed Forces-related dates.
After public testimony, Representative McLeod moved the committee to pass HB 1148; the motion was seconded and passed on a committee roll call (12-0). The committee closed the hearing and recommended passage to the full House.
Votes at a glance
- HB 1148 — Motion to pass the bill (moved by Representative McLeod; seconded by Representative Wolf). Committee roll call: 12 yes, 0 no. Outcome: approved by committee.
Why it matters: The bill would make a recurring, statutory recognition of military service in state law and encourage annual gubernatorial proclamations and organized events during May.
What’s next: The committee recommended the bill be advanced to the House for further consideration.
