SR0598 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0598 LRB095 20524 GRL 48452 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of United States Army Corporal Albert Bitton of Chicago, who was killed in the line of duty on February 19, 2008 in Baghdad, Iraq; and

WHEREAS, Corporal Albert Bitton grew up in West Rogers Park; he graduated from Ida Crown Jewish Academy, where he was a member of the school wrestling team, developed his great artistic talent, and made many friends; and

WHEREAS, Corporal Albert Bitton aspired to be a doctor his entire life; he had shown an unusual talent for medical matters even as a child; his love for medicine drove him to serve his country in the armed forces; and

WHEREAS, Stirred by his intense patriotism and his need for medical training for his planned future career as a surgeon, Corporal Albert Bitton joined the United States Army in December 2005 as a medic with the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault); he had been stationed in Iraq since October of 2007; and

WHEREAS, Corporal Albert Bitton was particularly proud of his Jewish heritage; he attended Congregation K.I.N.S. of West Rogers Park, an Orthodox synagogue, with his family; even during his tour of duty, he would consistently put on his tefillin and pray every morning; he also put up a large Israeli flag in his barracks, which he displayed proudly; and

WHEREAS, Corporal Albert Bitton is survived by his wife, Melissa Handelman; his parents, Elie and Silvia Bitton; and his sisters, Elizabeth and Jackie; and

WHEREAS, Corporal Albert Bitton will be remembered by all who knew and loved him as a fun, caring, and friendly soldier, family member, and friend whose piety and patriotism were unmatched; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of United States Army Corporal Albert Bitton; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we honor the memory of Corporal Albert Bitton and his willingness to serve our country, which led to him making the ultimate sacrifice; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Corporal Albert Bitton as an expression of our sympathy.