HR0149 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0149 LRB099 08455 GRL 28611 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Veterans Day is a public holiday that is dedicated to honoring those who have served in the United States Armed Forces; the day was declared a holiday by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919; and

WHEREAS, The holiday was originally known as Armistice Day; the date of November 11 was chosen as the official date in reference to the armistice that ended World War I; and

WHEREAS, Armistice Day officially became Veterans Day in 1954; and

WHEREAS, Illinois has the 10th largest veteran population in the United States; Illinois veterans have proven themselves worthy time and time again by serving in several of the nation's toughest and most difficult assignments with bravery and valor; and

WHEREAS, Veterans Day is an official Illinois State holiday for government employees; most federal workers are given the day off and there is no mail service in the United States on this day; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge all employers in the State of Illinois to provide each employee who is a veteran with paid or unpaid time off for Veterans Day, November 11, if the employee would otherwise be required to work on that day.