HR0645 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0645 LRB097 15011 GRL 60057 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Since the beginning of this great State, millions of brave men and women of Illinois have courageously answered the call to defend the ideals of freedom and democracy both at home and abroad; and

WHEREAS, On Veterans Day, November 11, we recognize the sacrifice of all veterans, both those who have served in the past and those serving in the present; and

WHEREAS, We specifically wish to reflect on the heritage of the service rendered by all components of the Illinois National Guard and recognize the work and dedication of the Illinois State Military Museum and the Illinois National Guard and Militia Historical Society; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois State Military Museum, housed in a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places, holds significant artifacts from the heritage of the Illinois National Guard, such as the cork leg of Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, which was captured by Illinois soldiers during the battle of Cerro Gordo in the Mexican War; the wooden target board that President Abraham Lincoln used to test-fire the Spencer rifle in 1863 at the White House before he bought the weapon for the Union Army; the largest collection of Civil War battle flags; and the Medal of Honor awarded during World War I to First Sergeant Johannes Anderson of the 33rd Infantry Division; and

WHEREAS, The museum further displays exhibits explaining the expanded role of Illinois soldiers and airmen in support the Global War on Terrorism, in global peacekeeping operations, and in support to the citizens of Illinois in the aftermath of floods and tornadoes; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois State Military Museum could not accomplish these tasks without the financial support of the Illinois National Guard and Militia Historical Society; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the work and dedication of the Illinois State Military Museum and the Illinois National Guard and Militia Historical Society to preserve, safeguard, and honor the Illinois National Guard heritage and share it with current and future generations; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Illinois State Military Museum and the Illinois National Guard and Militia Historical Society as a symbol of our esteem and respect.