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Record #: R2018-1057   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 9/20/2018 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 9/20/2018
Title: Tribute to late Honorable George N. Leighton
Sponsors: Burke, Edward M.
Attachments: 1. R2018-1057.pdf
RESOLUTION


WHEREAS, The Honorable George N. Leighton, an esteemed Chicago jurist after which the Criminal Courts Building was named at 26th Street and California Avenue, will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on November 5, 2018; and

WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of this event by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and

WHEREAS, The interment will fulfill the long-held wish of the Honorable George N. Leighton to be put to rest at Arlington National Cemetery; and

WHEREAS, A federal-state judicial conference will honor the life and many achievements of the Honorable George N. Leighton on October 5, 2018 in the Ceremonial Courtroom on the 25th floor of the Dirksen Federal Courthouse; and

WHEREAS, The Honorable George N. Leighton passed away on June 6, 2018 and his cause to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery was taken up by United States Senator Dick Durbin and the Chicago City Council's Veterans' Caucus; and

WHEREAS, In honor of the Honorable George N. Leighton's life, the Chicago City Council adopted a memorial resolution on June 27, 2018, paying tribute to his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, The Honorable George N. Leighton bravely served during World War II in the segregated 93rd Infantry Division, rising to the rank of Captain and earning the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and the Bronze Star; and

WHEREAS, The Honorable George N. Leighton graduated from Harvard Law School in 1946 and moved to Chicago where he became a leading civil rights lawyer; and

WHEREAS, The Honorable George N. Leighton began his work in the judiciary in 1960; and

WHEREAS, In 1969 the Honorable George N. Leighton became the first African-American to hold the position of district appellate judge in Illinois when he was appointed to serve on the First District Appellate Court; and

WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of the Honorable George N. Leighton serve as an example to all; now, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of ...

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