HR0045 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0045 LRB101 06180 ALS 51203 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize the Chicago Montford Point Marines Association; and

WHEREAS, The Montford Point Marines Association is a nonprofit military veteran's organization founded to memorialize the first African Americans to serve in the United States Marine Corps, who were restricted to a segregated boot camp in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and served from 1942 until 1949; and

WHEREAS, The National Montford Point Marines Association is dedicated to serving veterans and the community, and they have 36 chapters throughout the United States, along with several chapters of the Ladies Auxiliary; the association is comprised solely of veterans and volunteers, and its mission is to preserve the legacy and perpetuate the memory, spirit, and comradeship of the original members; and

WHEREAS, The Chicago Montford Point Marine Association was established after a reunion of the Montford Point veterans in August 1965; the Chicago chapter has 35 members, including four of the men who served in the first group of black Marines, known as the "Original 400"; in Chicago, the group's chapter operates out of a building in Englewood, which has served as a community meeting space, resource center, and safe haven for veterans for more than 50 years; and

WHEREAS, The Chicago Montford Point Marine Association supports and promotes activities for the social betterment and enlightenment of the community, and, over the years, the group's scholarship program has given $40,000 to students; their Christmas Basket program has donated $50,000 to shut-in veterans and needy families, and a back-to-school program has provided over 1,000 book bags to children; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the past sacrifices of the Chicago Montford Point Marines Association members, commend the Chicago Montford Point Marines Association for their continued contributions to their community, and encourage the citizens of Illinois to support the organization as it struggles to continue to fulfill its mission; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Chicago Montford Point Marines Association as an expression of our esteem and respect.