RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 6, 2019
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners celebrating the 100th Season of the Chicago Bears
Body
WHEREAS, in 1919, the A. E. Staley food starch company of Decatur, Illinois decided to create a company football team, which it named the Decatur Staleys; and
WHEREAS, in 1920, the A. E. Staley company decided to hire George Halas and Edward Sternaman to run the team; and
WHEREAS, in September of 1920, the American Professional Football Association was formed (later renamed the National Football League (NFL) in 1922); and
WHEREAS, the Decatur Staleys was a founding franchise; and
WHEREAS, on October 3, 1920, the Staleys played their first league game; and
WHEREAS, the Decatur Staleys was turned over to Mr. Halas in 1921. The team was moved to Chicago and played under the name Chicago Staleys. George Halas not only served as the head coach of the team, but was also a player. In 1921, Mr. Halas led the team to its first league championship; and
WHEREAS, in 1922 George Halas changed the name of the team to the Chicago Bears, as a show of solidarity with the Chicago Cubs, who at that time hosted the team at Wrigley Field; and
WHEREAS, from 1940 to 1946, the Chicago Bears advanced to play in five championships and won four of them. It was during this time that the nickname “Monsters of the Midway” was given to the team; and
WHEREAS, George Halas coached the Chicago Bears off and on for many years. He is credited with creating the T-formation offense and with leading the Chicago Bears to multiple championships. For his role in creating the team, his devoted love, and his unwavering dedication, Mr. Halas is affectionately known as Papa Bear Halas; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago Bears moved to Solider Field in 1971, proudly claiming it as their home field; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago Bears have played in each of the NFL’s 100 seasons. To date, the Bears have won nine world championships (eight NFL championships and one Super Bowl) and 19 division titles; has had more wins than any other franchise in the NFL (761); has retired the most uniform numbers (14); and has had the most members inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (33); and
WHEREAS, the Chicago Bears are known nationwide for their philanthropic efforts. In 2005, the Chicago Bears formed the organization Bears Care to facilitate the team’s outreach efforts. Bears Care is committed to improving the quality of life of people in the Chicagoland area, specifically disadvantaged children and their families. The organization supports educational opportunities, youth athletic programs, and medical research and awareness programs focusing on breast and ovarian cancer. Since its creation, the Bears Care organization has donated a total of $19.5 million in grants to over 100 qualifying charities and organizations; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, do hereby celebrate the 100th Season of the Chicago Bears; 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 and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented.
Dated: June 6, 2019