SJ0056eng 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

09800SJ0056 Engrossed LRB098 20277 GRL 55689 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 56

(As Amended by Senate Amendment No. 1)

WHEREAS, Honoring our nation's and State's Vietnam veterans is an appropriate measure, given their selfless acts of courage in the face of adversity and uncertainty and their willingness to serve their country when called upon; their bravery and sacrifice should not be forgotten; and

WHEREAS, The Vietnam War lasted from 1964 to 1975, making it the United States' second-longest war; the war required the 9.2 million Americans who served in the military throughout the war's duration to perform at sustained tempos of intensity and professionalism in all facets of military operations; and

WHEREAS, Nearly 2.7 million Americans served in Vietnam throughout the war, facing countless challenges in an unfamiliar environment where struggle was the norm; servicemen and women were called upon to serve thousands of miles away from home; and

WHEREAS, 58,286 American military personnel paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for their country and their fellow soldiers, marines, sailors, and airmen; and

WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that the Illinois General Assembly pays honor and respect to those truly exceptional individuals who served our nation in Vietnam and, in doing so, have gone above and beyond the call of duty by making sacrifices so that their fellow Americans and Illinoisans could live the lives promised by the United States Constitution; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate the portion of Interstate 80 between Interstate 57 and Interstate 355 as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Parkway; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois Department of Transportation is requested to erect at suitable locations, consistent with State and federal regulations, appropriate plaques or signs giving notice of the name of Vietnam Veterans Memorial Parkway; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation.