WHEREAS, during World War II, the most destructive war in history, South Carolinians at home and abroad displayed great determination and heroic patriotism in facing one of the greatest human struggles of all time; and

WHEREAS, South Carolinians' legacy of valor and ingenuity in combat contributed greatly to American and Allied efforts in the battle to suppress totalitarianism and preserve democracy; and

WHEREAS at home, South Carolinians served their country and made sacrifices in many other ways, such as by generously contributing to creations such as the Santee Cooper public power system and the Croft Military Infantry Replacement Training Camp, as well as supporting numerous other military facilities located throughout South Carolina: and

WHEREAS the integral role played by South Carolinians during a pivotal period in history is a meaningful and relevant component of our State's heritage and identity and is important to the continuous growth and progress of South Carolina; and

WHEREAS with greater understanding and increased appreciation and respect for the sacrifices and courage of the men and women of the greatest generation that any society has ever produced, the educational experience of South Carolina's students would be meaningfully enhanced.

NOW, THEREFORE, I do hereby establish the Palmetto Greatest Generation Project Council ("Council") to deliver the lessons and visions of South Carolina's Greatest Generation to the classrooms of South Carolina. The Council shall consist of members who are military veterans, educational experts, clergy, and other individuals necessary to accomplish the Council's mission. The Council shall, but is not limited to:

1. Developing curriculum standards and materials sufficient to carry out the Council's mission in every public high school in the State of South Carolina;

2. Developing video, radio, and web site programs to enable students and other citizens to maximize their knowledge of the feats of South Carolina's Greatest Generation;

3. Recruiting South Carolina's Greatest Generation-era citizens to record their stories and provide first-hand presentations to high school students;

4. Developing a strategic plan for implementing the Palmetto Greatest Generation Project's mission and provide quarterly reports to the Governor;

5. Distributing copies of the book The Greatest Generation to high schools across the State at the beginning of the 2002-03 school year for use in United States history classes; and

6. Selecting and tracking, during the project's inaugural year, twenty-five (25) pilot schools using geographical and economic diversity.

This Order shall take effect immediately.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS 6th DAY OF JUNE, 2002.

JIM HODGES
Governor

Last Updated: Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 11:00 A.M.