HR0973 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0973 LRB099 16289 GRL 44549 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, More than 500,000 American men and women, wearing the uniforms of the United States armed forces, have paid the supreme sacrifice while in the service of their country; and

WHEREAS, After the conclusion of the American Civil War, the 2 sides in the conflict, North and South together, joined hands to create a national sacred day of remembrance in honor of those who had fallen; and

WHEREAS, Through the organizational work of General John A. Logan, born in Murphysboro, Memorial Day became an official United States holiday, observed annually on the 4th Monday in May; and

WHEREAS, Almost every American family and almost every family in Illinois bears upon the rolls of its heart the name or names of one or more military service members bearing our own names who have fallen for America in war and in combat; and

WHEREAS, In 2016, American men and women continue to serve in uniform in active combat zones around the world, especially, but not limited to, the Global War on Terror in numerous countries, including Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, The supreme sacrifice continues to be made by patriotic Americans of all 50 states, including Illinois, who give their lives for the freedom and future of their fellow Americans; and

WHEREAS, In grateful recognition of these sacrifices, on Memorial Day the people of Illinois gather in places of religious worship, town squares, and places of burial throughout our State to remember and honor the fallen; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of these gatherings, most employers and supervisors throughout Illinois grant their employees and contractors an annual day of remembrance each Memorial Day to enable these individuals to join their families and take part in the annual sacred duty of this day; and

WHEREAS, Despite this sacred custom, the current schedule of the Illinois House of Representatives calls for us to conduct secular business on Memorial Day, May 30, 2016, when we ought to be home with our families and our communities, reaffirming the sacred bonds that tie us together as Americans; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives to recess the House for the duration of Memorial Day, May 30, 2016, and not to call us back into session until the completion of this day of American remembrance and the completion of the sacred duties of this day; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives.