HR0896 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0896 LRB103 42511 ECR 75743 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Illinois service members and veterans have demonstrated selflessness and service, and their families have made incredible sacrifices in service to our country; and

WHEREAS, A Gold Star family is the family of a military member who has died while valiantly serving in the U.S. Armed Forces; it is a term meant to honor the sacrifice of the service member while acknowledging the family's grief and healing; and

WHEREAS, The Gold Star 500 raises funds to support scholarships in the name of fallen service members to ensure that we honor these heroes and that we always remember, never forget, the sacrifices of our fallen Illinois service members and their families; and

WHEREAS, The Gold Star Mission has awarded more than $283,000 in scholarships and oversees the Fallen Heroes History Project which tells the story of fallen service members; and

WHEREAS, The Gold Star 500 will continue to raise funds to support this mission and to honor our fallen service members by preserving their memory and continuing their legacy of service to others in need; and

WHEREAS, The 8th Annual Gold Star 500 Ride will begin in Metropolis on September 24, 2024 and continue for 512 miles across the State until riders reach the Ross Pearson VFW in Rockford on September 28, 2024; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the Gold Star 500, and we celebrate its mission to continue the legacy of Gold Star families; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we pay tribute to our fallen service members and their families who have sacrificed so greatly for our freedom; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the Gold Star Mission and the Ross Pearson VFW as an expression of our esteem and respect.