RICHMOND — In honor of military members killed in the Mideast conflict, the Virginia War Memorials shrine is to be expanded.

House Bill 474, carried by Delegate M. Kirkland Cox, R-Colonial Heights, will provide for both this expansion and the construction of an educational wing for the memorial. The bill, which passed Friday, requires the State Treasurer to advance a $5.97 million loan to the Department of General Services.

I am pleased to be the chief patron for Virginia War Memorial Foundations Education Center, Cox stated in a press release.

My legislation will keep this project on track, ensure proper recognition of the ultimate sacrifice made by Virginians in the war on terror and support fundraising efforts of the Virginia War Memorial Foundation, he said.