SR0426 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Medal of Honor is the highest U.S. military decoration awarded by Congress to a member of the Armed Forces for gallantry and bravery in combat at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty; and

WHEREAS, Over the last 20 years, the Medal of Honor Foundation has created and launched education, recognition, and outreach programs about the values embodied in the Medal of Honor that have inspired millions of Americans, the values of courage and sacrifice, commitment and integrity, and citizenship and patriotism; and

WHEREAS, Lester Crown and the Crown Family will be presented the Distinguished Service Award at the Salute to the Medal of Honor Gala celebration at the Union League Club of Chicago this year; and

WHEREAS, The Distinguished Service Award is presented to exceptional Americans who exemplify leadership and service and inspire others by selflessly giving of time and talent to the community and nation; and

WHEREAS, Over the next 20 years, the Medal of Honor Foundation will focus on preserving the legacy of the Medal of Honor and the true American heroes who wear it; and

WHEREAS, There are only 70 living recipients of the Medal of Honor; Illinois has had 106 Medal of Honor recipients since the Civil War; and

WHEREAS, These men are bound together by the Medal of Honor they wear and by the shared passion to perpetuate its legacy of courage, sacrifice, and selfless service; and

WHEREAS, With a sharp focus on young Americans, the Medal of Honor Foundation supports a broad range of initiatives to educate and inspire Americans to perpetuate and preserve the legacy of the Medal of Honor; and

WHEREAS, The Medal of Honor Foundation will be in Chicago to celebrate their 20th anniversary and honor Chicago with over 20 Medal of Honor recipients visiting Chicago Public Schools and VA homes; and

WHEREAS, On June 7, 2019, the Salute to the Medal of Honor Gala will celebrate the legacy of the Medal of Honor, those who received the Medal in honor of their bravery and courage on behalf of the United States of America; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare June 7, 2019 as Medal of Honor Day in Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this day presents an opportunity for adults and children to research the history of the Medal of Honor and help promote its legacy, which includes courage and sacrifice, commitment and integrity, and citizenship and patriotism to our country, our State and our communities and to personally recognize those who have served or currently serve in any branch of the Armed Forces, Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard, and thank them for their service.