HR0962 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0962 LRB100 21419 ALS 37932 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate the Oxford American Legion Post #1197 in Alpha on its post's rededication to be held on April 14, 2018; and

WHEREAS, The Alpha community, with the support of 26 veterans, formed the Oxford American Legion Post on September 1, 1949; the following slate of officers was elected: Commander Franklin Wirt, Vice Commander T.L. McKee, Adjutant Forest Failey, Sergeant of Arms Max Lutrell, Finance Officer Leo Raisbeck, Chaplain Jack Bugos, and Historian Richard Rutledge; and

WHEREAS, In March 1950, the Oxford Post #1197 was nationally chartered; 51 veterans signed the Post Charter; monthly meetings began at Alpha Town Hall and the Oxford Fire Station to prepare for engagement in community programs, including helping the Alpha Lions Club with their community Christmas programs for area children; and

WHEREAS, After several years of successful efforts to build a servicemen's monument and to engage in additional community events, an effort to create a home post began in 1953; construction began in July 1953 and was completed in January 1955; membership had grown from 50 members to 65 members, and on May 22, 1955, a Post Dedication Ceremony was held; and

WHEREAS, The number of programs benefitting the community and sponsored by the Legion Post continued to grow and included sponsoring the local Cub Scout pack, summer sports programs, and allowing the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts to utilize the building; in 1962, growth necessitated an addition to the building, which was completed between 1962 and 1963; and

WHEREAS, Many community programs were offered through the years at the Post and many continue to be offered today; the Post sponsors the Spirit of Alpha Street Dance, community organization raffles, benefits, memorials and other events of community significance, as well as sponsoring a boy for Boys State and, for the Auxiliary, a girl for Girls State; and

WHEREAS, the Oxford American Legion Post #1197, which currently boasts 65 members, and 21 members in its Sons Squadron, is working hard at a three-phase renovation plan and has recently completed the first two phases, which included a new roof, a remodeled interior, and a remodeled kitchen; and

WHEREAS, The tireless work of the Legion Post members and the Auxiliary over the past 70 years has created something great for the community; they continue to honor the memory of veterans and their families while also planning for the community that will be left to the future generations; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we join the many friends of the Oxford American Legion Post #1197 in congratulating them on their rededication ceremony, and we wish them continued success; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Oxford American Legion Post #1197 as an expression of our esteem and respect for their many accomplishments.