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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2     WHEREAS, A team of exceptional athletes, many of whom are
3 wounded Iraq and Afghanistan veterans representing all
4 military branches, departed from the Golden Gate Bridge in San
5 Francisco, California, on May 22, 2010, on an inaugural bike
6 trek across America; and
 
7     WHEREAS, These amazing athletes will conduct a bike ride
8 spanning 63 days and 4,000 miles, as they travel to Virginia
9 Beach, Virginia, testing their physical limits and inspiring
10 people, disabled or not, to live active and enriched lives; and
 
11     WHEREAS, This bike trek, called the Sea to Shining Sea
12 program, honors the courage of our service men and women,
13 recognizing the strength of the American spirit, and challenges
14 the perception of how we view athletes; and
 
15     WHEREAS, Along their journey, the riders will cycle through
16 deserts, over mountain passes, and travel by historical
17 landmarks, providing dramatic proof that disabled Americans
18 can lead productive lives and accomplish feats that most people
19 only dream about; and
 
20     WHEREAS, Among the supporters joining the group are Army
21 Brigadier General Arnold N. Gordon-Bray, retired Marine Corps

 

 

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1 General Robert Magnus, and Ambassador Paul Bremer, who oversaw
2 the reconstruction of Iraq from May 2003 to June 2004; and
 
3     WHEREAS, State Farm Insurance Company is a proud supporter
4 of Sea to Shining Sea, showing support for service men and
5 women and their commitment to being there for our country; and
 
6     WHEREAS State Farm agents across the country will be there
7 for all 63 days of the ride, serving as community coordinators,
8 providing information, helping with logistics and route
9 planning, and rallying communities to celebrate their riders
10 along the way; and
 
11     WHEREAS, Other supporters of the ride include MeadWestvaco
12 Corporation, Dominion Resources, NewMarket Corporation,
13 General Electric, Penske Truck Rental, Verizon Wireless,
14 Westinghouse Electric Company, and Soldiers Angels; and
 
15     WHEREAS, World T.E.A.M. Sports, a nonprofit organization
16 dedicated to creating soul-stirring opportunities for
17 individuals of all abilities through the power of sport, has
18 successfully organized and implemented the Sea to Shining Sea
19 ride; and
 
20     WHEREAS, The riders, on their way to Virginia Beach, will
21 travel through the State of Illinois beginning July 2 through

 

 

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1 July 7, making their way through the communities of Durham, La
2 Harpe, Blandinsville, Good Hope, Bushnell, Chekrow, Fiatt,
3 Cuba, Canton, Monterey, Kingston Mines, Mapleton, Hollis,
4 Pekin, Mackinaw, Danvers, Bloomington, Normal, Leroy, Empire,
5 Farmer City, Mansfield, Mahomet, Champaign, St. Joseph, Ogden,
6 Fithian, Muncie, Bucktown, and Danville; and
 
7     WHEREAS, Illinois citizens are encouraged to warmly greet
8 these athletes, congratulating them and encouraging them as
9 they continue their incredible journey; therefore, be it
 
10     RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
11 NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we
12 encourage citizens of the State of Illinois to welcome the Sea
13 to Shining Sea cyclists as they travel through our State; we
14 encourage citizens of the State to offer any assistance they
15 can provide, and send best wishes for a successful and
16 life-changing experience as they struggle, overcome, and enjoy
17 the amazing feat of cycling across our beautiful and most
18 glorious country.