HJ0084eng 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0084 Engrossed LRB095 15300 GRL 41287 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 84

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois General Assembly wish to honor those who have served our country with distinction and valor in the armed forces; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant John F. Baker Jr., so distinguished himself in combat during the Vietnam War in acting above and beyond the call of duty by placing himself repeatedly in harm's way for his fellow soldiers, that he received the nation's highest military award, the Congressional Medal of Honor; and

WHEREAS, Veterans organizations, including the Vietnam Veterans of the Quad Cities, have urged the commemoration of Sergeant John F. Baker Jr.'s heroism by naming a bridge crossing in the Quad City region in his honor; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant John F. Baker Jr.'s dedication to his country should be commended and praised in the highest fashion; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that the Interstate 280 Bridge in Rock Island County be designated the Sergeant John F. Baker Jr. Bridge; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois Department of Transportation is requested to erect at suitable locations, consistent with State and federal regulations, appropriate plaques or signs giving notice of the name; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation; the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation; the county boards of Rock Island and Scott counties; the cities of Rock Island, Davenport, Bettendorf, and Silvis; and the Village of Milan.