HR0796 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0796 LRB103 40687 MST 73458 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House 0f Representatives wish to congratulate Richard A. Miller on the occasion of his 98th birthday and thank him for his military service during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Richard Miller was born in the City of Aurora on June 26, 1926; and

WHEREAS, Richard Miller graduated from East Aurora High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17; and

WHEREAS, Richard Miller bravely served his country during World War II aboard the U.S.S. Drexler DD-741, during which he survived an attack by two Japanese kamikaze planes that sank the ship in 49 seconds and resulted in the loss of 158 of his shipmates during the Battle of Okinawa, the largest battle in the Pacific, where 4,907 U.S. Navy sailors were killed and 4,824 were wounded; and

WHEREAS, Richard Miller, upon returning to civilian life, married his life-long sweetheart, Dorothy, and built his own house in Aurora, where he still resides and eventually raised two children, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Richard Miller attended Aurora College (Aurora University) upon returning from service and had a distinguished career as the personnel manager at the Aurora Post Office; and

WHEREAS, Richard Miller's dedication extends beyond his military service; he has been actively involved in his community, frequently speaking at local schools and civic groups, and has been honored at various patriotic events throughout the Fox Valley, becoming known as the WWII Singing Sailor; and

WHEREAS, Richard Miller's contributions have been recognized through his participation in Honor Flights and Vets Roll bus trips and by the Chicago White Sox as the Hero of the Game; and

WHEREAS, Richard Miller's devotion to his comrades and his country exemplifies the spirit of the Greatest Generation, inspiring admiration and gratitude; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Richard A. Miller on his 98th birthday, thank him for his military service and sacrifice to the United States of America, commend him for his dedication to his family and community, and wish him the best in all his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Richard Miller as an expression of our esteem and respect.