HJ0048 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0048 LRB104 16542 ECR 29940 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that the Illinois General Assembly pays honor and respect to those individuals who have given their lives in service to their country; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Russell Rowe was born to Fred and Dorothy (Lazzaroni) Rowe on October 7, 1944, and he was the beloved brother of Richard Rowe, Robert Rowe, Anita Rowe, and Kathleen (Rowe) Christian; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Rowe graduated from Steinmetz High School in Chicago in 1961; he then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, advancing to the rank of lance corporal in 1962; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Rowe served in 1st Company B, 6th Marine Division, which was among the first wave of American troops deployed to the Dominican Republic during the 1965 intervention to evacuate American citizens and restore stability; and

WHEREAS, On April 30, 1965, during a machine-gun ambush in Santo Domingo, Lance Corporal Rowe sustained severe and multiple gunshot wounds to both his legs, both his arms, and his abdomen but continued to fight valiantly in the defense of freedom and the protection of American lives; and

WHEREAS, Despite undergoing major surgeries, including the amputation of both his legs, and receiving life-sustaining treatment at Walter Reed Army Hospital, Lance Corporal Rowe ultimately passed away due to complications from pneumonia related to his injuries on June 19, 1965, with his mother and his fiancée by his side; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Rowe had only four months remaining in his enlistment, and he hoped to marry his fiancée and pursue a career in dentistry following his military service; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Rowe was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart in recognition of his heroism, valor, and sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Rowe was laid to rest at Mount Olivet Memorial Park in Zion, where his memory continues to be honored by his family, friends, and fellow service members; and

WHEREAS, The family of Lance Corporal Rowe and the community of Zion have respectfully requested that the State of Illinois designate a portion of highway in his honor, ensuring that future generations remember his courage and devotion to duty; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate Illinois Route 131 from the state line south to Illinois Route 173 as the "Lance Corporal Russell Rowe Memorial Highway"; 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 "Lance Corporal Russell Rowe Memorial Highway"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Lance Corporal Rowe and the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation.