HR0377 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0377 LRB101 12195 MST 60195 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Naperville American Legion Post 43 on the occasion of its l00th birthday; and

WHEREAS, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on four pillars that encompass a variety of programs that benefit our nation's veterans: service members, their families, the youth of America, and ordinary citizens; and

WHEREAS, Post 43's history dates back to that same year, when a group of 15 World War I veterans from Naperville met and created their local post; and

WHEREAS, The charter for Post 43 was issued on June 25, 1919 and dated July 5, 1919 as Naperville American Legion Post 43; it received its national charter on August 1, 1920; and

WHEREAS, Original charter members of Post 43 included Joseph Wehrli, Winfred and Frank Knoch, Scott Fry, James L. Nichols, Paul H., Bernard B., and Theodore F. Boecker, Robert R. Rickert, Reuben H. Yackley, and Chauncey Reed, who went on to serve in the U.S. Congress for 20 years and was the post's first commander; and

WHEREAS, Post 43 began with 126 charter members; today, it has over 600 members, making it one of the largest posts in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, During its 100 years, Post 43 has emphasized Americanism, honored citizens of the year, provided color guard and honor guard for civic events, provided burial honors, and co-sponsored the city's annual Memorial Day parade and associated activities; and

WHEREAS, Post 43 enhances the citizenship of local youth through the annual Premier Boys State and Girls State programs, sponsorship of a Boy Scout troop, scholarships, oratorical and essay contests, and participation in local high school graduation programs; and

WHEREAS, Post 43 honors veterans through Veterans Day activities, support of the Chicago Honor Flight, regular visits to wounded veterans and to area retirement home residents, participation in services for the deceased, and assistance in obtaining veteran benefits; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Naperville American Legion Post 43 on celebrating 100 years of service in the Naperville area; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the members of Post 43 as a symbol of our respect and esteem.