RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, General John W. Vessey has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 94; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, A resident of North Oaks, Minnesota, John W. Vessey was a widely admired member of the military community and the loving husband for 71 years of Avis; and
WHEREAS, John W. Vessey was the much-adored father of John III, David and Sarah to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, Born in Minneapolis, John W. Vessey enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard at age 17, and fought in World War II and Vietnam, and was the nation's top military officer after 46 years of service; and
WHEREAS, John W. Vessey was named Chairman of the Joint Chiefs in 1982 where he oversaw the military expansion led by Ronald Reagan; and
WHEREAS, In retirement John W. Vessey was asked by President Reagan to return to Vietnam and account for Americans missing in action in order to bring back any still alive and reunite families that had been separated during the war; and
WHEREAS, John W. Vessey received numerous awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Purple Heart; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of John W. Vessey serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared John W. Vessey to his family members, friends and all who knew him, and enabled him to enrich their lives in ways they will never forget; and
WHEREAS, John W. Vessey was an individual of great integrity and accomplishment who will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, John W. Vessey imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the...
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