SR0615 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0615 LRB104 19745 LAW 33195 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Tribute to Valor Foundation was founded in 2018 as an all-volunteer organization focused on influencing, inspiring, and impacting the youth of America to ask themselves "Who Am I?" and to answer by reflecting on the six core character values derived from our nation's highest military decoration for valor, the Medal of Honor; and

WHEREAS, The Tribute to Valor Foundation works to help the youth of America to understand, engage in, and incorporate into their daily lives the core values of the Medal of Honor; and

WHEREAS, The six core values of the Medal of Honor are courage, sacrifice, patriotism, citizenship, integrity, and commitment; and

WHEREAS, Courage is the mental and moral strength to face fear, danger, and adversity, and includes both physical and moral courage, and it is the willingness to stand up for what is right, even when it is unpopular or difficult, and the strength to defend those that are disenfranchised or mistreated; and

WHEREAS, Sacrifice is a voluntary act of surrendering personal interests for a greater cause and involves a selfless surrender of one's own interests or well-being for the betterment of another, and it is often considered an act of love or a demonstration of a deeper principle; and

WHEREAS, Patriotism is a devotion to and defense of the ideals of our country and is a sense of purpose derived from supporting the nation and its freedoms, and it manifests through disciplined service, commitment, and a belief in something greater than oneself; and

WHEREAS, Citizenship is the status of being a responsible member of a community, which includes both rights and responsibilities, and it means understanding your rights and duties, following rules, respecting others, and contributing positively to your community through actions such as teamwork and helping others; and

WHEREAS, Integrity is the desire to do what is right, legally and morally, which includes honesty, a firm adherence to moral and ethical principles, and acting consistently with one's values even when no one is watching, and it means being truthful and upright, saying what you mean, and doing what you say, with integrity forming the foundation of trust, a value that requires both personal moral courage and a commitment; and

WHEREAS, Commitment is a pledge or an obligation to do something in the present and future, including a strong dedication to a cause, a person, or an activity, and it is the belief that giving your word and standing behind it is honorable and that you fulfill your promise despite any obstacles or adversity you might face; and

WHEREAS, By empowering the youth of America to face adversity and changing circumstances with the core values of the Medal of Honor, the Tribute to Valor Foundation hopes the next generation will gain the strength to make choices of which they can be proud and that will help them to become better citizens; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we support and encourage all residents to support the Tribute to Valor Foundation and its mission to inspire the youth of America and all people to ask themselves the question "Who Am I?" and to answer by reflecting on the six core values of the Medal of Honor; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage and support activities and educational programs that invite veterans, first responders, and other role models to share how the six core values of the Medal of Honor have helped them commit to a life of service and have assisted them in times of adversity.