To watch the live meeting proceedings, please refresh this page at the scheduled meeting time, a link labeled "In Progress" will appear under the Video column
File #: 24-0489    Version: 1
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
File created: 5/29/2024 In control: Miscellaneous & New Business
On agenda: 6/6/2024 Final action: 6/6/2024
Title: RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing May 27th as Memorial Day

RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 6, 2024

 

Title

RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing May 27th as Memorial Day

Body

 

WHEREAS, Memorial Day in the United States is an annual custom of acknowledging the men and women of the armed forces that have lost their lives while protecting this country.  Observed on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day is a tradition that dates back to the late 1860’s; and

 

WHEREAS, following the Civil War, which ended on April 9, 1865, Americans began decorating the graves of fallen soldiers in honor of their memory and as a tribute to their sacrifice.  While former slaves in Charleston, South Carolina are often credited with starting the tradition in 1865, in 1966 President Lyndon B. Johnson formally recognized Waterloo, New York as the birthplace of Memorial Day; and

 

WHEREAS, on May 5, 1866, Waterloo hosted a community event honoring fallen soldiers that became an annual celebration.  On this day, businesses closed and town residents collectively decorated graves with flowers and flags; and

 

WHEREAS, on May 5, 1868, Major General John A. Logan, leader of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization dedicated to Union Civil War veterans, advocated for a nationwide day of observance.  The first Decoration Day, as it was then called, was held on May 30, 1868 for the purpose of “decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country”; and

 

WHEREAS, May 30th continued to be the observance date for Decoration Day until June 28,1968 when the United States Congress passed Public Law 90-363, also known as the Uniform Monday Holiday Act (Act).  The Act, which became effective on January 1, 1971, established that Decoration Day would officially be known as Memorial Day and that it would be a federal holiday.  Additionally, the Act declared that Decoration Day would be reserved for the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day holiday; and 

 

WHEREAS, Memorial Day is a day when all Americans unite in their respect and gratitude for the men and women of this country that fought for and defended the rights that we are so privileged to enjoy.  And it is a day of humility, acknowledging the true sacrifice that has been made on our behalf; and 

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby recognize May 27th as Memorial Day; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

 

Dated: June 6, 2024