HR0316 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0316 LRB098 11947 MST 45323 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize William Grahame Wilkin III for creating the original artwork that is featured on the now iconic POW/MIA flag; and

WHEREAS, William Wilkin III was a junior at Glenbard South High School in 1983 when he created the artwork for a contest he entered and took 3rd place; unbeknownst to him, the artwork was appropriated for use on the POW/MIA flag when congress voted to make it an official flag of the United States in 1988-1989; and

WHEREAS, The artwork is based on the Apostle Paul's writings while incarcerated; if the artwork is spun from 12 o'clock to 3:15, the tower becomes 3 crosses on the hill; the silhouette is looking down and away in self pity or looking away from God; the circle is all of the worldy things keeping him from turning to God; and the flag is black, a symbol of lost hope; and

WHEREAS, William Wilkin III's original phrase accompanying the artwork was "I believe they are alive"; the flag now reads "We will never forget"; and

WHEREAS, William Wilkin III is married to Jodi and they have 2 daughters, Madalyne and Alexandra; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize William Wilkin III for creating the original artwork for the POW/MIA flag and thank him for his contribution to his country; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to William Wilkin III as an expression of our esteem and respect.