HR1568 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1568 LRB095 22758 GRL 53183 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to thank Leon Jennings for his dedicated service to his nation in the battle of Iwo Jima during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Leon Jennings entered active service with the U.S. Marine Corps on December 28, 1943 in Chicago; after training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, he was assigned to the 2nd Separate Engineer Battalion of the 5th Marine Division for training at Camp Lejeune and Guam; and

WHEREAS, After Leon Jennings and his battalion landed on Iwo Jima on February 20, 1945, Mr. Jennings was principally assigned to perimeter security for his unit; he came close to being wounded when shrapnel from U.S. Navy gunfire pierced his mess kit that had been placed on the rim of his fighting hole; during his time on Iwo Jima, he bore witness to the historic event of the American flags being raised on Mount Suribachi; and

WHEREAS, After leaving Iwo Jima at the battle's end, Leon Jennings began training for the invasion of mainland Japan; in December of 1945, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Private First Class; and

WHEREAS, After his honorable discharge, Leon Jennings had a 40 year career with Seal Masters in Aurora; he played fast pitch softball for many years and is an accomplished bowler; and

WHEREAS, Leon Jennings is a member of numerous organizations, including the Marine Corps League (Fox Valley Detachment 1233), the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Montgomery, the American Legion in Sugar Grove, and the Tiger Club and Phoenix Club in Aurora; and

WHEREAS, Leon Jennings has been married to Suzann for 40 years; he has seven children, 21 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Leon Jennings' great courage and devotion to his country are worthy of the greatest respect; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we thank Leon Jennings for his dedicated service to his nation in the battle of Iwo Jima during World War II and wish him the best in his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Leon Jennings as a symbol of our esteem and respect.