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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
OBSERVING MAY 25, 2026 AS MEMORIAL DAY
WHEREAS, since its founding in 1831, Cook County has been blessed with thousands of selfless patriots who devoted their lives to the safety and freedom of their state and nation, no matter the cost; and
WHEREAS, in times of war, Cook County's residents have sent their beloved brethren into combat far from home, bearing loss of life and limb; and
WHEREAS, Cook County residents have never failed to fulfill their solemn duty to defend liberty, both for themselves and for others, by military service across the generations; and
WHEREAS, Cook County residents have given their lives in every American conflict since the County's founding, including the Civil War, the Spanish- American War, two World Wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the War on Terrorism and other conflicts; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County has always honored the immeasurable wartime and peacetime contributions and sacrifice of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, the act of remembrance for all fallen service members from one's community is an American tradition that dates back more than a century and a half; and
WHEREAS, by an Act of Congress in 1971, the last Monday of May each year is recognized as a federal Memorial Day in remembrance of all fallen U.S. service members; and
WHEREAS, even today, members of the military are stationed throughout the world, while their families remain in our communities; and
WHEREAS, families praying for the safe return of loved ones experience everyday life in a very different way than others, as their thoughts and feelings never stray far from those they honor and are proud of for serving this great nation; and
WHEREAS, the willingness of our residents who have answered the call to duty to give freely and unselfishly of themselves in defense of our democratic principles is recognized and appreciated; and
WHEREAS, Memorial Day is a day set aside to remember and honor our fallen service members who served our nation, in wartime or peacetime; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby recognize May 25, 2026, as Memorial Day and ask that on this day of honor, all residents express their gratitude to our fallen men and women and their families. end