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SJ 367

Commending the 100th Infantry (Century) Division.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Luther Cifers and 25 co-sponsors

The Virginia General Assembly commends the 100th Infantry (Century) Division on the 80th anniversary of Bitche's liberation with a ceremonial, nonfiscal resolution.

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ367ER)
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Bill Summary · SJ 367

Summary: Senate Joint Resolution No. 367 (SJ367ER)

A ceremonial concurrent resolution by the Virginia General Assembly commending the 100th Infantry (Century) Division on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Bitche, France.

Purpose and intent

  • Recognize and commend the 100th Infantry (Century) Division for its historical role in liberating Bitche, France on March 16, 1945, during World War II.
  • Express admiration for the division’s legacy of toughness, courage, and determination.
  • Honor the historical ties between the Virginia community and the 100th Infantry Division, and recognize the division’s ongoing legacy in U.S. Army Reserve training.
  • Provide a formal token of appreciation by the Virginia General Assembly, including presentation of a copy of the resolution to the division.

Background and context

  • Bitche’s citadel and Bitche town were liberated by the 100th Infantry Division as part of the Allied campaign to liberate France.
  • Bitche’s fortifications have a long history, with Vauban-era defenses and significance in prior conflicts (Franco-Prussian War, WWII).
  • The 100th Infantry Division served under Major General Withers A. Burress during the Bitche operation; the unit earned the nom de guerre “The Sons of Bitche.”
  • Postwar, the division evolved into the 100th Airborne Division and later the 100th Training Division (Leadership Development), today based at Fort Knox, Kentucky, as part of the Army Reserve.
  • The resolution emphasizes enduring bonds between Virginians and France and highlights Virginia’s historical connections to the division’s leadership and personnel (e.g., VMI alumni references in the historical narrative).

Key provisions

  • The General Assembly (both Senate and House) commends members of the 100th Infantry (Century) Division on the 80th anniversary of Bitche’s liberation.
  • The Clerk of the Senate is tasked with preparing a copy of the resolution for presentation to the division.
  • The resolution expresses admiration for the division’s legacy and acknowledges the importance of this historic victory in World War II.

Affected entities

  • Primary: Members and veterans of the 100th Infantry (Century) Division.
  • Secondary: Virginia residents and veterans, and the broader historical and commemorative community; the Clerk of the Senate (administrative action).

Legislative timeline and status

  • Introduced: February 12, 2025.
  • Engrossed by Senate: February 13, 2025; agreed to by Senate by voice vote.
  • Enrolled: February 19, 2025; agreed to by the Senate (Feb. 13) and House (Feb. 17).
  • Status: SJ367ER — Senate and House have passed the measure; enrolled form reflects the final version of the concurrent resolution.

Impact and implications

  • This is a ceremonial, non-fiscal resolution with no regulatory or funding effects.
  • It serves an educational and commemorative purpose, reinforcing Virginia’s historical ties to WWII events and honoring the service of the 100th Infantry (Century) Division.
  • Likely to be observed in formal ceremonies and used in official recognitions and commemorations related to Bitche and the division’s legacy.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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