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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
3Representatives wish to congratulate Joseph L. "Joe" Belman on
4the occasion of his 100th birthday and thank him for his
5military service during World War II; and
 
6    WHEREAS, Joe Belman has spent his life serving his
7community and his country with honor; and
 
8    WHEREAS, Joe Belman was born in Pontiac on February 20,
91924; he was adopted by Louise and Irene Belman; during his
10upbringing, the lessons of diligence, responsibility, and
11community he was taught became the cornerstones of his
12character; and
 
13    WHEREAS, In his youth, Joe Belman worked on the
14Mississippi River, where he found unexpected joy and
15tranquility; and
 
16    WHEREAS, Joe Belman enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force
17during World War II, serving as a B-17 Flying Fortress ball
18turret gunner and achieving the rank of staff sergeant; while
19exposed to the dangers of anti-aircraft fire and enemy
20fighters during his 35 missions over enemy territory in the
21European theater, his valorous actions contributed to pushing

 

 

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1the enemy out of Europe and into Germany; and
 
2    WHEREAS, For his military service, Joe Belman was awarded
3the Air Medal with five Oak Clusters and the European Ribbon
4with three Battle Stars; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Joe Belman returned to the United States in April
61945, taking a unique journey home by hitchhiking across the
7country; and
 
8    WHEREAS, Joe Belman married Irene in 1947, and together
9they shared 59 wonderful years; and
 
10    WHEREAS, Joe Belman's commitment to service and advocacy
11persisted beyond his wartime service; he showcased his
12enduring dedication to community welfare through his
13involvement in the Citizens' Utility Board and the Will County
14Jury Commission and his leadership roles in the American G.I.
15Forum and the Illinois Hispanic Democratic Council; and
 
16    WHEREAS, Joe Belman also served as a union organizer in
17Lockport, dedicating himself to promoting safer working
18environments and higher wages, and he helped form Service
19Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 650, serving as its
20first president; and
 

 

 

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1    WHEREAS, Joe Belman's impact has extended beyond formal
2roles, with involvement in youth development, coaching various
3sports, and community leadership, which earned him numerous
4accolades; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Joe Belman's journey, from the tranquil waters of
6the Mississippi River to the tumultuous skies over Germany, is
7a testament to resilience, dedication to community, and the
8enduring spirit of the Greatest Generation; and
 
9    WHEREAS, Joe Belman's life exemplifies the principles of
10democracy, equality, and empowerment, inspiring and guiding
11generations to come and leaving an indelible mark on the
12landscape of labor and community service beyond the boundaries
13of Illinois; therefore, be it
 
14    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
15HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
16we congratulate Joseph L. "Joe" Belman on his 100th birthday,
17thank him for his military service to the United States of
18America, and recognize his century-long journey and his
19enduring impact on workers' rights advocacy and mentorship in
20youth development; and be it further
 
21    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
22presented to Joe Belman as an expression of our esteem and

 

 

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1respect.