IL HR1342

Commemorates the 150th anniversary of General William Tecumseh Sherman's patriotic speech delivered on July 4, 1866, in Salem, Marion County, Illinois, which was attended by approximately 25,000 people.

Recognizes General Sherman's Civil War service under President Abraham Lincoln, including his capture of Atlanta in September 1864 and his "March to the Sea" concluding with the capture of Savannah in December 1864.

Honors the City of Salem and volunteer organizers, including Geff Purcell, Luke Purcell, Clint Stevens, and numerous community groups, for planning a commemorative re-enactment of Sherman's speech scheduled for July 4, 2016, at Bryan Memorial Park.

Congratulates Salem residents and community organizations, including the Salem City Council, Historical Commission, Tourism Board, Odd Fellows Lodge, American Legion Post 128, and Marion County Genealogical and Historical Society, for preserving the state and nation's history.

Directs that suitable copies of the resolution be presented to the City of Salem and all organizers who contributed to the 150th Anniversary event.