Veterans and supporters await the bill's signing in Anderson. (Aug. 21, 2012/FOX Carolina)
Veterans and supporters surround Gov. Haley as she signs the bill. (Aug. 21, 2012/FOX Carolina)ANDERSON (AP/FOX Carolina) -
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley was in Anderson on Tuesday to sign the Medal of Valor bill into law.
The bill was unanimously approved by the House in May. It creates an award for fallen service members connected to the state.
Haley attended the ceremonial bill signing at the Anderson Armory along with other supporters, veteran and active military members.
House members voted to establish the new medal awarded posthumously. Families will receive the award.
Another perfunctory vote sent the amended proposal back to the Senate, which unanimously approved the idea in February.
Its main sponsor was Sen. Thomas Alexander, R-Oconee. He said South Carolina needed to recognize those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for America's freedoms.
"This recognizes and symbolizes our appreciation for the sacrifices," Alexander said. "As we gather, we realize that the freedoms that we cherish, the freedoms that are dear to us, unfortunately, so many times, the freedoms that we take for granted, come at a significant price."
Recipients' names will be added to a roll maintained by the adjutant general's office.
The House amendment specified that his office is not required to pay for the medal or its design.
Copyright 2012 FOX Carolina (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
