MOUNT HOLLY (AP) — A North Carolina lawmaker is being buried at Arlington National Cemetery in recognition of his service as U.S. Air Force brigadier general and Vietnam-era flight surgeon.
State Sen. Jim Forrester from Gaston County died in October at age 74. He’ll be buried today at the resting place for the nation’s military.
Forrester was a family doctor from Mount Holly who served 11 terms in the state Senate. The social conservative died just weeks after meeting his goal to put a constitutional referendum before voters on whether to ban gay marriage. The vote is set for May.
Gov. Beverly Perdue has ordered flags at state facilities lowered to half-staff today in Forrester’s honor. State officials say the honor is traditional for sitting legislators who die while in office.