SR1767 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1767 LRB100 21982 MST 40448 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Between 1939 and 1945, 22 Mexican-American families who resided in a two block area in Silvis sent 87 men to serve in World War II, more than any U.S. area of comparable size; only eight did not come home; and

WHEREAS, According to the U.S. Army War College and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Second Street in Silvis, contributed more men to military service than any other street in any neighborhood in any town in America over the course of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War; in May of 1967, Second Street was renamed as Hero Street; and

WHEREAS, From Hero Street, young men with names such as Gomez, Soliz, Masias, Pompa, Munos, and Sandoval signed up without hesitation, and never returned; two Sandoval families sent 13 of their sons to fight for the United States; three died; and

WHEREAS, Their stories have been noted in a documentary narrated by Martin Sheen titled Hero Street U.S.A., as well as another short film, Letters from Hero Street; and

WHEREAS, A movement is underway to recognize the soldiers of Hero Street and the other unsung Latino heroes that have protected the United States by serving in the military; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the U.S. Postal Service to commemorate the heroes of Hero Street in Silvis with a United States postage stamp; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we declare May of 2018 as "Hero Street Month" in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the families of Hero Street, the Mayor of Silvis, and the U.S. Postmaster General.