In a demonstration of bipartisan support from Arizona's Legislature, Senate Bill 1126 was passed last week by the Committee on Veterans, Military and Government Affairs with a 6-0 vote.
The legislation authorizes the placement of gun barrels from the U.S.S. Arizona and U.S.S. Missouri in Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza near the U.S.S. Arizona's anchor and mast as a dedicated memorial for the war.
The Plaza is home to numerous memorials but does not include a complete memorial for the fallen soldiers from World War II.
As a tribute to the fallen soldiers of WWII, Secretary of State Ken Bennett and the Salute the Fallen Committee have spearheaded an effort to bring a 14-inch gun barrel from the Arizona and a 16-inch barrel from the Missouri to Phoenix for permanent display in front of the State Capitol.
It's their hope that adding two visible bookends from the war will encourage people to reflect and admire the strength and courage it takes to defend a nation.
For more information on the project or to make a contribution, visit www.GunsToSaluteTheFallen.com.
