HR0756

LRB094 15360 CSA 50551 r






1

HOUSE RESOLUTION


 
2
    WHEREAS, In 1905, Nemer Kaleel, of Lebanon, arrived at 
3
Ellis Island, penniless, homeless, and without any knowledge of 
4
the English language; and

 
5
    WHEREAS, Mr. Kaleel settled in Spring Valley and began to 
6
peddle goods from house to house; in 1939, an Earlville banker 
7
suggested he open a store in the community and Kaleel's 
8
Clothing was born; and

 
9
    WHEREAS, During the ensuring years, Mr. Kaleel built a 
10
respectable business and a close family; his sons continued the 
11
legacy and opened stores in the area; and

 
12
    WHEREAS, In 1977, his grandson, who shared his ancestor's 
13
vision,  opened his own store in Oswego; in 1981, the spotlight 
14
of national media landed on the American Male store and 
15
applauded the family's belief in selling only American-made 
16
products; the Kaleel family's deeply held beliefs connected 
17
them to Americans everywhere; and

 
18
    WHEREAS, The store, American Male & Company, continues to 
19
prosper; it is Oswego's hidden treasure and a shopping haven 
20
for both men and women; and

 
21
    WHEREAS, The Kaleel family proudly celebrates the life of 
22
an immigrant with a dream; they reflect on the life of a man 
23
and his sons who have worked quietly, obscurely, and proudly to 
24
provide their families with the opportunities of a great land; 
25
the Kaleel family believes in the American dream, a dream born 
26
100 years ago; therefore, be it

 
27
    RESOLVED, BY THE  HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 
28
NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that 
29
we honor the Kaleel family's deep, determined resolve in the 
 


 






HR0756
- 2 -
LRB094 15360 CSA 50551 r




1
American dream and wish them continued success and happiness; 
2
and be it further

 
3
    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
4
presented to the Kaleel family as an expression of our 
5
admiration and esteem.