RtSOLUTION
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that the City Council of the City of Chicago is hereby informed of the observance of Harry Alvin Cecil's 100th birthday; and
WHEREAS, The City Council has been informed of this prestigious occasion by the Honorable Gregory I. Mitchell, Alderman of the 7th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Harry, better known as Cecil, an enthusiastic, active and much-loved resident of the Chicago's great 7th Ward community with a zest for living life, will celebrate his Centennial Birthday on Saturday, January 16, 2016 thereby reaching a milestone few are fortunate to achieve; and
WHEREAS, Cecil was born in Tazewell, Virginia to William and Louis Barnes. He is the youngest of four children. Raised in the depression era as well as severe segregation, Cecil pursued his education graduating from Tazewell High School in 1934; and
WHEREAS, Cecil's career began at the local cleaners and the town's Country Club as a waiter. These jobs helped him mode his love of being well dressed and prepared him for the food industry as a Chef; and
WHEREAS, Cecil relocated to New York City where he enjoyed the sport of boxing and made it his profession. After a few years of boxing he decided this was not the career to follow. He then began working for Walgreens where he had the opportunity to travel and assist with opening new stores; and
WHEREAS, Cecil lived in Columbus, Ohio with his sister when he was drafted in the Army in 1943 and assigned to Camp Atturbury in Indiana. He served in World War II, stationed in France and Germany. He was discharged as CPT. In 1945 with a Bronze Service Star and American Theater Riboon; and
WHEREAS, After his discharge Cecil became a Chef at several well-known restaurants. He was head Chef at the Millionaires Club, Eli's and The Cart. He eventually opened a Bar at 74th and Cottage Grove called the "Swing Inn"; and
WHEREAS, Enjoying retirement, Cecil continued his love of dancing and is well known in many dance circles. You will find Cecil every Wednesday, along with Joy, senior dancing at the Ambrosia Room in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Cecil first married on his 96th birthday to Olivia Holley. Cecil is blessed with one son, Bruce Cecil and Lesai, daughter in law. He cherishes his two grandsons, Mathews and Myles; and
WHEREAS, Cognizant of the history to which Mr. Harry Alvin Cecil has both witnessed and contributed, the Chicago City Council believes that Cecil is richly deserving of the adulation and good wishes he is offered as he celebrates entering his one hundredth year; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago gathered here this thirteenth day of January, 2016, do hereby extend our deepest wishes for the happiest 100th birthday possible; and
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Harry Alvin Cecil.
