Full Text of HJR0006

HJ0006 LRB104 11071 MST 21153 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is appropriate to remember the many sacrifices and contributions to the cause of freedom made by the outstanding men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, The freedom we enjoy in the United States of America and the State of Illinois is owed to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and State; and

WHEREAS, Cpl. Tommy Neal Miller was born on July 19, 1949 and was raised in Meadowbrook near Bethalto in Madison County; and

WHEREAS, Cpl. Miller enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam War; he began his tour of duty on June 10, 1968; his military specialty was mortarman, and he was attached to Echo Company, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division; and

WHEREAS, While serving as a radio operator on the morning of February 25, 1969 at Fire Support Base Russell in Quang Tri Province in South Vietnam, under assault by a large North Vietnamese Army sappers unit, Cpl. Miller unhesitatingly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain in search of an undamaged radio; after locating operable equipment, he again exposed himself to hostile fire to assist the commanding officer with restoring communications; he then went to the aid of his fellow Marines to free them from entrapment in debris; as he attempted to free his comrades, he was mortally wounded by fragments from an enemy grenade; and

WHEREAS, Cpl. Miller's heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed greatly to repelling the enemy's assault; and

WHEREAS, Cpl. Miller's commendations include the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V", the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, and the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal; and

WHEREAS, Cpl. Miller is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC; his name is inscribed at VVM Wall, Panel 31w, Line 53; and

WHEREAS, Like so many who gave the ultimate sacrifice and gave up many years of their lives, Cpl. Miller will forever be 19; and

WHEREAS, Cpl. Miller is loved and missed by his family, friends, and Marine brothers; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate Illinois Route 140 as it travels through Meadowbrook as the "Cpl. Tommy N. Miller Memorial Highway"; 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 "Cpl. Tommy N. Miller Memorial Highway"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Cpl. Miller and the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation.