HB4105 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB100 14824 RJF 29644 b

100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2017 and 2018
HB4105

Introduced , by Rep. Mary E. Flowers

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

5 ILCS 490/64 new

Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act. Provides that beginning in September of 2018, the month of September of each year is designated as Education of Original National Anthem Month to be observed throughout the State as a month set apart to promote the study of the history behind the creation of "The Star-Spangled Banner", including its original lyrics and the individuals represented by those lyrics. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning government.

WHEREAS, Most Americans are not aware of the full history and origin of what would become our National Anthem; and

WHEREAS, the vacancies in the stories told about our collective history must be filled in with every honest and humble effort, so that all citizens of every race are able to face the complex emotions and disturbing facts that feed so much of the animosity and confusion present in our society today; and

WHEREAS, That animosity and confusion fuels the divisions and misunderstandings that threaten the peace and act as an ever-present obstacle to our advancement as a society in the cause of justice and lasting peace for all; and

WHEREAS, The many issues concerning race in America in conjunction with the overarching sense of what the American flag and the National Anthem mean to different people is of compelling importance at this time in our history; and

WHEREAS, Teachers and scholars are available throughout our State to assist young and old alike in building a base of knowledge from which to bring minds and hearts to a common understanding in furtherance of what still remains our Constitutional imperative, which is to continue the onward march towards establishing a more perfect union; therefore

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The State Commemorative Dates Act is amended by adding Section 64 as follows:

(5 ILCS 490/64 new)

Sec. 64. Education of Original National Anthem Month. Beginning in September of 2018 and for each September thereafter, the month of September is designated as Education of Original National Anthem Month to be observed throughout the State as a month set apart to promote the study of the history behind the creation of "The Star-Spangled Banner", including its original lyrics and the individuals represented by those lyrics.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.