HR0637 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0637 LRB103 39604 LAW 69907 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Joseph L. "Joe" Belman on the occasion of his 100th birthday and thank him for his military service during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Joe Belman has spent his life serving his community and his country with honor; and

WHEREAS, Joe Belman was born in Pontiac on February 20, 1924; he was adopted by Louise and Irene Belman; during his upbringing, the lessons of diligence, responsibility, and community he was taught became the cornerstones of his character; and

WHEREAS, In his youth, Joe Belman worked on the Mississippi River, where he found unexpected joy and tranquility; and

WHEREAS, Joe Belman enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, serving as a B-17 Flying Fortress ball turret gunner and achieving the rank of staff sergeant; while exposed to the dangers of anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighters during his 35 missions over enemy territory in the European theater, his valorous actions contributed to pushing the enemy out of Europe and into Germany; and

WHEREAS, For his military service, Joe Belman was awarded the Air Medal with five Oak Clusters and the European Ribbon with three Battle Stars; and

WHEREAS, Joe Belman returned to the United States in April 1945, taking a unique journey home by hitchhiking across the country; and

WHEREAS, Joe Belman married Irene in 1947, and together they shared 59 wonderful years; and

WHEREAS, Joe Belman's commitment to service and advocacy persisted beyond his wartime service; he showcased his enduring dedication to community welfare through his involvement in the Citizens' Utility Board and the Will County Jury Commission and his leadership roles in the American G.I. Forum and the Illinois Hispanic Democratic Council; and

WHEREAS, Joe Belman also served as a union organizer in Lockport, dedicating himself to promoting safer working environments and higher wages, and he helped form Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 650, serving as its first president; and

WHEREAS, Joe Belman's impact has extended beyond formal roles, with involvement in youth development, coaching various sports, and community leadership, which earned him numerous accolades; and

WHEREAS, Joe Belman's journey, from the tranquil waters of the Mississippi River to the tumultuous skies over Germany, is a testament to resilience, dedication to community, and the enduring spirit of the Greatest Generation; and

WHEREAS, Joe Belman's life exemplifies the principles of democracy, equality, and empowerment, inspiring and guiding generations to come and leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of labor and community service beyond the boundaries of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Joseph L. "Joe" Belman on his 100th birthday, thank him for his military service to the United States of America, and recognize his century-long journey and his enduring impact on workers' rights advocacy and mentorship in youth development; and be it further

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