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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of 
3Representatives wish to recognize the legacy of Colonel Robert 
4R. McCormick of the U.S. Army on the occasion of the U.S. 
5Army's 250th birthday on June 14, 2025; and
 
6    WHEREAS, Colonel McCormick served his community, the State 
7of Illinois, and the United States of America for more than 50 
8years, inspiring hope and pride within his fellow citizens and 
9exemplifying the citizen-soldier; and
 
10    WHEREAS, Colonel McCormick served as a major while 
11carrying out regimental duties in the Illinois National 
12Guard's 1st Illinois Cavalry in 1916 as part of the Army's 
13expedition against Mexican rebel Pancho Villa, whose forces 
14had killed 17 Americans in Columbus, New Mexico; and
 
15    WHEREAS, Colonel McCormick served as the commander of the 
16U.S. Army 1st Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 5th Field 
17Artillery Regiment, providing vital support and leading to the 
18first American victory in the Battle of Cantigny during World 
19War I; and
 
20    WHEREAS, As the publisher of the Chicago Tribune, Colonel 
21McCormick ensured that his employees who served with the U.S. 
 
 
HR0263- 2 -LRB104 13186 ECR 25332 r

1Army were able to retain their jobs, setting an example for 
2patriotic employers of citizen-soldiers; and
 
3    WHEREAS, Colonel McCormick also supported freedom and 
4democracy through his tireless efforts to protect First 
5Amendment rights and the freedom of the press; and
 
6    WHEREAS, Colonel McCormick established the McCormick 
7Foundation and the First Division Museum at Cantigny, both of 
8which continue to provide support for service members, 
9veterans, and their families and stand as permanent symbols of 
10patriotism, heroism, and the American spirit; therefore, be it
 
11    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE 
12HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that 
13we recognize the legacy of Colonel Robert R. McCormick of the 
14U.S. Army for his service to the State of Illinois and the 
15United States of America in honor of the U.S. Army's 250th 
16anniversary; and be it further
 
17    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
18presented to the First Division Museum at Cantigny as a symbol 
19of our esteem and respect.