HR0890

LRB096 18729 GRL 34114 r





  
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HOUSE RESOLUTION

  
 
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    WHEREAS, Ships of all types sail through the waters in and 
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around our nation every day; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, These vessels, which are owned by U.S. companies 
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and are registered and operated under the American flag, make 
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up the United States Merchant Marine; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, In accordance with the Merchant Marine Act of 
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1936, merchant marines are considered military personnel 
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during war time; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, During war or national emergency, the Merchant 
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Marine is responsible for delivering military supplies to our 
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armed forces and allies overseas; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, The role of non-uniformed merchant sailors in 
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World War II was one of the most dangerous and important of the 
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war; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, Defenseless or lightly armed private merchant 
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ships, facing the same dangers as Navy personnel sailing 
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hostile waters, carried supplies to our soldiers fighting 
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overseas; and
  
 
 


 






HR0890
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LRB096 18729 GRL 34114 r




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    WHEREAS, Hundreds of ships and thousands of men were lost 
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to enemy submarines and aircraft during World War II; and
 
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    WHEREAS, There is currently a bill pending in Congress that 
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would allow the merchant marines of World War II to receive 
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benefits for their service; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, The merchant marines served loyally in times of 
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great danger in defense of their country; it is only fitting 
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and proper that these brave men be given their just reward; 
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therefore, be it
  
 
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    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 
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NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we 
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urge the federal government to adopt legislation allowing 
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merchant marines who served during World War II to receive 
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benefits for their service; and be it further
  
 
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    RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be 
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presented to the members of the Illinois congressional 
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delegation.