SOS?-
RICHARD M. DALEY
MAYOR
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
November 10, 2010
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I transmit herewith a resolution honoring the life and memory of United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal John T. Sparks.
Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
Very truly yours.
H resolution
adopud by Tlie Qity Qouncil of*^ Qity of Ghicago, Illinois
Tfresented by MAYOR RICHARD M. DALEY M NOVEMBER 10,2010
vQllBTBClS ' ^e Members of this Chamber were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death, at age 23, of United States Marine Lance Corporal John T. Sparks, a brave Marine and true patriot, who made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of our Nation's most sacred values; and
WHEREAS, Born on October 3, 1987, to Lenora Sparks and Ronald Minor, Lance Corporal Sparks, a native of Chicago, grew up in the Robert Taylor Homes, and attended Paul Robeson High School, where he played football and wrestled; and
WHEREAS, After graduation from high school. Lance Corporal Sparks attended Westwood College, where he studied criminal justice, and worked as a supervisor at United Parcel Service, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Enlisting in the United States Marines in February, 2008, Lance Corporal Sparks was assigned to India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, part of Camp Pendleton's 1st Marine Division; and
WHEREAS, On October 8, 2010, Lance Corporal Sparks, a gallant and well-respected Marine who was motivated by a desire to improve the world through his service, was killed in combat while fighting enemy forces in Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, Due to his extraordinary dedication and courage, Lance Corporal Sparks was the recipient of numerous awards and decorations for his meritorious service, including a Purple Heart, a Combat Action Ribbon, a National Defense Service Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; and
WHEREAS, A benevolent, thoughtful, mature and compassionate person, who exemplified kindness and respect in word and deed, Lance Corporal Sparks was a young man who worked hard, dreamed of becoming a Chicago Police Officer, and loved his grandmother's cooking; and
WHEREAS, An exemplary Marine and human being who served our Nation with courage and integrity, Lance Corporal Sparks will always be remembered for his warm and generous spirit, tender heart, and unerring faith in our Country; for his profound sense of honor and responsibility; and as a true American hero and distinguished son of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Sparks is survived by his parents: Lenora Sparks and Ronald Minor; his brother, Ronald Sparks; his grandmother, Leona Sparks; cherished childhood friends, William Alexander and Kevin Stevenson; and a host of other relatives and friends; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this tenth day of November, 2010, do hereby honor the life and memory of Lance Corporal John T. Sparks, and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Lance Corporal John T. Sparks as a sign of our sympathy and good wishes.