SJ0057 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SJ0057 LRB099 21996 GRL 49107 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, General George Washington created the Order of the Purple Heart for Military Merit, now commonly called the Purple Heart, during the Revolutionary War; and

WHEREAS, Desiring to cherish a virtuous ambition in his soldiers, General Washington created the Badge of Military Merit for any singularly meritorious action performed by a soldier; and

WHEREAS, The Purple Heart is awarded to a member of the United States Armed Forces who is wounded or killed in action as a result of enemy activity; and

WHEREAS, The Purple Heart is a symbol of courage and devotion; purple was chosen because it was associated with royalty and would stand out on any uniform; and

WHEREAS, In addition to lauding instances of unusual gallantry, the Purple Heart serves as a symbol of extraordinary fidelity and essential service; and

WHEREAS, The first three Purple Heart recipients were Sergeant Elijah Churchill, Fourth Troop, Second Troop of Light Dragoons; Sergeant William Brown of the 5th Connecticut Regiment; and Sergeant Daniel Bissell of the 2nd Connecticut Regiment; and

WHEREAS, General Douglas MacArthur revived the Badge of Military Merit in 1931 for the bicentennial of George Washington's birth; the reissued medal is a gold-plated brass heart with a bust of Washington in the center and the Washington family coat of arms at the top; and

WHEREAS, A group of combat wounded veterans in Ansonia, Connecticut formed the first chapter of a civilian organization for Purple Heart recipients; and

WHEREAS, Other states throughout the country have designated themselves as Purple Heart States; and

WHEREAS, The people of Illinois have great admiration and the utmost gratitude for all the men and women who have selflessly served their country; and

WHEREAS, Illinois' veterans have given their lives so we can maintain our freedom and way of life; and

WHEREAS, It is fitting to honor combat-wounded veterans for their service and sacrifice; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that we declare the State of Illinois as a Purple Heart State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we give our thanks to all of those who have served and sacrificed their lives for our State and country; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Hayes-Krell Chapter 159.