RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, American statesman Fred Allen Boyd, Jr., once observed that: "America's fighting men and women sacrifice much to ensure that our great Nation remains free. We owe a debt of gratitude to the soldiers that have paid the ultimate price for this cause, as well as to those who have been blessed enough to return from the battlefield unscathed;" and
WHEREAS, Members of the United States Armed Forces who have been killed in action have served our Country with distinction and courage. It is incumbent upon all Americans to honor these loyal patriots when they are returned home to be laid to rest; and
WHEREAS, Section 562 of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act prescribes the protocol to be used to transport a member of the United States Armed Forces who has died in a combat theater of operations and whose remains are returned to the United States; and
WHEREAS, The protocol established by the United States Department of Defense directs that the fallen soldier's remains, unless otherwise directed by his or her next of kin, shall be continuously escorted by a color guard, who shall travel with the remains during transportation; met at the place to which transportation is made; accorded appropriate honors at the arrival of the remains; and transferred from the aircraft with solemn dignity, by carrying out the remains with a flag draped over the casket to a hearse for travel to a funeral home or other place requested by the family; and
WHEREAS, During America's Civil War, a tradition began whereby the bodies of fallen veterans were transported by a military caisson wagon, a tradition that continues to this day to honor the ultimate sacrifice made by our fallen heroes; and
WHEREAS, Pursuant to Article VII, Section 6, ofthe 1970 Illinois Constitution, the City of Chicago is a home rule municipality and, as such, may exercise any power and perform any function related to its government and affairs; and
WHEREAS, The City owns and operates, thro...
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