HR0650 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0650 LRB093 20722 HSS 46610 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives offer our sincere congratulations to William and Charlotte Ralston for being the recipients of the Elmhurst Jaycees' 2004 Distinguished Service Award; and

WHEREAS, Bill and Charlotte have been committed to each other and their community for more than 50 years; and

WHEREAS, Bill and Charlotte are residents of Elmhurst who have given their time and energy to improve the community; and

WHEREAS, The Ralstons have been active members of the First Congregational Church of Christ since 1960; and

WHEREAS, Bill served three three-year terms on the Diaconate, three three-year terms on the Board of Trustees, and serves as an usher and greeter at the church; and

WHEREAS, Charlotte serves as the Chairman of the Library Committee at the Church; and

WHEREAS, Bill was a Navy pilot in World War II and flew Lockheed PV-1 Ventura bombers from 1942 to 1946; and

WHEREAS, He also served as the Crew Chief for the 146th Bomber Squadron and saw action in the South Pacific; and

WHEREAS, Since serving his country in battle, Bill has been a tireless supporter of all veterans through his Life Membership of both Elmhurst American Legion T.H.B. Post 187 and Elmhurst Veterans of Foreign Wars Walter A. Glos Post 2048; and

WHEREAS, Charlotte is a member of the Elmhurst American Legion Auxiliary Sunshine and Memorial Committee, which sends cards and gifts to Legion members who are ill; and

WHEREAS, Bill is the founding member of the Elmhurst Veterans Memorial Commission and played a key role in the creation of the Elmhurst Veterans Memorial in Wilder Park; and

WHEREAS, He was appointed in 1988 to a position with the Selective Service System by former Governor James R. Thompson, and he currently serves as Chairman of the DuPage County Area; and

WHEREAS, Bill has also served as an Addison Township Precinct Committeeman for 16 years; and

WHEREAS, The Ralstons created, painted, and installed 40 wooden crosses at the Elmhurst Veterans Memorial as a small Arlington cemetery to help remember those who have died for their country; and

WHEREAS, The Ralstons have constantly put the needs of others above their own; and

WHEREAS, Their dedication to community service is a source of inspiration to the entire community and State; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we offer our congratulations to William and Charlotte Ralston for being the recipients of the Elmhurst Jaycees' 2004 Distinguished Service Award; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to William and Charlotte Ralston as an expression of our esteem.