HR0302 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0302 LRB103 32513 LAW 62071 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize the 350th anniversary of Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette's arrival to the land of present-day Chicago on September 2, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Through their expedition in 1673, Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette became the first Old World Europeans to set foot upon the then uncharted Illinois Territory; and

WHEREAS, Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette's efforts laid the foundation for exploratory expeditions within the Illinois Territory; and

WHEREAS, Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette's peaceful cooperation and trade with Native Americans established Illinois' longstanding tradition of commerce and economic development while securing its position in the nation as a hub of heritage and transportation; and

WHEREAS, In 1973, A mock expedition was organized to recognize the 300th anniversary of the original expedition; and

WHEREAS, A third mock expedition, Jolliet Marquette Expedition III, has been planned for this year; and

WHEREAS, Jolliet Marquette Expedition III will begin its journey in St. Ignace, Michigan on May 17, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Additional information on the history of the original expedition and a list of scheduled events for the third mock expedition is available on the website JM350.com; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the 350th anniversary of Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette's arrival to the land of present-day Chicago on September 2, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the members of Jolliet Marquette Expedition III as an expression of our esteem and respect.