HR0230 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0230 LRB096 12182 KXB 24625 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Edgewater Historical Society will hold a wreath laying at the "Young Lincoln" statue in Senn Park on North Ridge Avenue on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth; the April 15th date is significant because it is the day that President Lincoln passed away; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the wreath laying ceremony, the Edgewater Historical Society is celebrating the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth with a year long celebration, including a special exhibit of Lincoln memorabilia from a private collection; and

WHEREAS, Edgewater Historical Society President Robert Remer will speak at the wreath laying ceremony, as well as 48th Ward Alderman Mary Ann Smith; the Senn High School ROTC Color Guard and the Rickover Naval Academy Band will also participate; and

WHEREAS, The Senn Park site, at the corner of Clark and Ridge Streets, is the location of the "Seven Mile house," where, according to the descendant of the owner of the house, Lincoln attended a caucus of local farmers during his 1860 campaign for the presidency; the Lincoln statue, donated to the City of Chicago by noted sculptor Charles Peck, commemorates the historic visit; and

WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln's life and ideas have inspired Illinois citizens and public servants for more than 150 years; his courage, insight, and common sense continue to inspire; the commemorative ceremony is particularly significant as Lincoln's 200th birthday coincided with the inauguration of President Barack Obama from Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we salute the Edgewater Historical Society, the Senn High School ROTC Color Guard, and the Rickover Naval Academy Band on the occasion of the ceremony and celebration commemorating the bicentennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the Edgewater Historical Society, the Senn High School ROTC Color Guard, and the Rickover Naval Academy Band as symbols of our respect and esteem.