SR0976 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0976 LRB103 40532 MST 73036 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Bodo Gsedl, born in Taufkirchen (Vils), Germany, attended West Chicago Community High School as an AFS exchange student and is a proud graduate; during one of his visits to West Chicago, he brought his twin brother, Uwe, who fell in love with a woman, married her, and settled in West Chicago; and

WHEREAS, When Taufkirchen (Vils) was exploring a sister city relationship, Bodo Gsedl suggested West Chicago; an exploratory visit was made, and the two cities made a proclamation declaring the relationship in 1999; and

WHEREAS, A sister city or a twin town relationship is a form of legal or social agreement between two geographically and politically distinct localities for the purpose of promoting cultural and commercial ties; and

WHEREAS, In 1999, a group of West Chicagoans traveled to Taufkirchen, Germany to sign the official partnership papers to become sister cities; Nancy Smith, City Clerk of West Chicago, signed on behalf of the City of West Chicago, and Franz Hofstetter, Burgermeister of Taufkirchen, signed on behalf of the municipality of Taufkirchen; and

WHEREAS, Over the past 25 years, there have been over 20 exchanges of visitors between the two cities, introducing participants to the customs of each country and exploring German and American cultures, including musical and dance groups that have performed in the other country; and

WHEREAS, Visitors are hosted in family homes in each community, honoring the social agreement set forth in 1999; the families participate in welcome dinners, tourist attractions, and unique opportunities to visit facilities that are not open to the public; and

WHEREAS, In 2019, the West Chicago sister cities group celebrated the partnership's 20th anniversary with a visit to Taufkirchen, Germany, which included the 20th anniversary celebration dinner with the signing of a proclamation and an exchange of gifts; and

WHEREAS, West Chicago and Taufkirchen share a similar focus on enriching regional goods and businesses through annual festivals and markets; Blooming Fest is DuPage County's official welcoming committee of spring; it is held in West Chicago's downtown and features one of the region's largest plant sales, live music, and a variety of craft and food vendors; in Taufkirchen, the Adlberger Market transforms the town center into a merchant and entertainment mile with open-air concerts, and all kinds of delicacies are offered by local hosts and butchers; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare May 15, 2024 as Sister City Partnership Day in the State of Illinois in honor of the 25th anniversary of the West Chicago and Taufkirchen sister city relationship; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of the resolution be presented to the mayor of West Chicago as a symbol of our respect and esteem.