HR0224 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The United States Navy has a proud tradition of service dating back to the Revolutionary War, when the Continental Congress created the Continental Navy to fight on the seas for our nation's independence; following the dissolution of the Continental Navy, the Founding Fathers gave Congress the right to create a navy through the United States Constitution, which culminated in the creation of the Naval Act of 1794 and the launching of the first United States warships in 1797; and

WHEREAS, The United States Navy has been deployed in all of the United States' great conflicts, fighting for our nation during the War of 1812, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan; the U.S. Navy also performs humanitarian missions throughout the world, helping those in need without pride or prejudice; and

WHEREAS, The United States Navy is known throughout the world for its strength, courage, and compassion; notable commanders in the United States Navy, including John Paul Jones, Oliver Hazard Perry, and Chester Nimitz, serve as role models to naval officers and citizens around the world; and

WHEREAS, In a world fraught with peril, the United States Navy and its thousands of courageous men and women in uniform stand ready to defend the United States and its interests through its overwhelming force and commitment to their nation and its citizens; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate the week of April 20-26, 2009 as "Navy Week" in the State of Illinois in honor of this fine institution and its many dedicated men and women in uniform; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Acting Secretary of the Navy BJ Penn as a symbol of our esteem and respect.