HR1122 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1122 LRB098 21411 MST 59839 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, On April 16, 2014, the Sewol, a ferry traveling from Incheon to Jeju island, Korea capsized and sank off the coast of Gwanmaedo Island; and

WHEREAS, The Sewol carried 476 passengers and crew, mostly students from Danwon High School in Ansan City on their trip to Jeju island; and

WHEREAS, At least 284 passengers have been confirmed dead and at least 20 remain unaccounted for; and

WHEREAS, With the cause of this horrific accident still undetermined, authorities are attempting to bring answers to grieving loved ones suffering the pain and devastation of losing a cherished member of their family or not yet knowing the fate of their missing loved one; and

WHEREAS, The people of the State of Illinois stand steadfast in their solidarity with the Korean American community saddened by this tragic accident and loss of precious lives; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we extend our sincerest and heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and the entire Korean community, especially those in Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we extend our support and best wishes for the survivors of this disaster as they work to recover from their injuries; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we applaud the teachers and crew members who sacrificed themselves to save the students at the final moment, thank the volunteers who rushed to the site to rescue the passengers, and thank the men and women of the Republic of Korea Navy, the United States Navy, and private organizations who assisted in rescue and recovery operations; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage a thorough investigation in order to determine the cause, that future disasters might be averted; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the executive directors of Korean American Voter Organizing Initiative & Community Empowerment, James T. Hyun, Jonghwa Jung, the Mid-west Korean American Veterans Association, and the Institute for Peace Affair of the U.S.A.