Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of HR0380

HR0380 LRB104 13860 ECR 26691 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The City of Wheaton was founded in 1831, and it has been in existence for almost 200 years; and

WHEREAS, During this time, the people of Wheaton have repeatedly displayed their commitment to the United States of America, including during the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Cold War, and the Global War on Terror; and

WHEREAS, As the United States of America celebrates its birthday on July 4, the people of Wheaton prepare for and mark this celebration and observance by hosting an annual installation and event known as the Wheaton Field of Honor; and

WHEREAS, During the Wheaton Field of Honor event, volunteers plant 2,000 United States flags in ordered ranks, symbolizing the level of disciplined self-control that those who defend our communities and our country must impose on themselves as an essential part of their service; and

WHEREAS, The Wheaton Field of Honor recognizes the service and sacrifices of members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans of the United States Armed Forces, first responders, and the other heroes who serve and protect our communities; and

WHEREAS, Each of the 2,000 flags is dedicated to an individual service member, first responder, or community defender as recognition of their service; and

WHEREAS, The Wheaton Field of Honor event takes place at Seven Gables Park on historic Naperville Road; and

WHEREAS, The Wheaton Field of Honor event includes one week of annual group observances of respect, featuring vocalists, bagpipers, drummers, Honor Guards, flyovers, and the playing of "Taps"; and

WHEREAS, The flags of the Wheaton Field of Honor will be planted by June 28, 2025, and a weeklong series of observance events will be held from June 28, 2025 until July 4, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Allen James Lynch, Company D, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, will be present for the Wheaton Field of Honor observance in 2025; and

WHEREAS, On December 15, 1967, then-Specialist/4th Class Cadet Lynch, while he and his unit were facing a numerically superior force near My An, South Vietnam, repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to observe and reconnoiter the enemy, succor the wounded, defend his position, call in reinforcements, and evacuate casualties; and

WHEREAS, For his service on December 15, 1967, Sergeant Lynch was awarded the Medal of Honor, with the medal presented by then-President of the United States Richard M. Nixon on May 14, 1970; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Lynch has been designated as the keynote speaker of the Wheaton Field of Honor observance in 2025 in recognition of his heroic service; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend the organizers, volunteers, and participants of the Wheaton Field of Honor for observing and reflecting upon the service generated by the members of the United States Armed Forces, past and present, as well as first responders and community defenders of all types who keep our communities and way of life safe; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to United States Army Sergeant and Medal of Honor recipient Allen James Lynch and Wheaton Field of Honor Project Chair Rudy Keller as a symbol of our esteem and respect.