WHEREAS, Between 1939 and 1945, 22 Mexican-American families who reside in a two block area in Silvis sent 87 men to serve in World War II, more than any U.S. area of comparable size; only eight did not come home; and
WHEREAS, According to the U.S. Army War College and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Second Street in Silvis, contributed more men to military service than any other street in any neighborhood in any town in America over the course of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War; in May of 1967, Second Street was renamed as Hero Street; and
WHEREAS, From Hero Street, young men with names such as Gomez, Soliz, Masias, Pompa, Munos, and Sandoval signed up without hesitation, and never returned; two Sandoval families sent 13 of their sons to fight for the United States; three died; and
WHEREAS, Their stories have been noted in a documentary narrated by Martin Sheen titles Hero Street U.S.A., as well as another short film, Letters from Hero Street U.S.A.; and
WHEREAS, A movement is underway to recognize the soldiers of Hero Street and the other unsung Latino heroes that have protected the United States by serving in the military, resulting in the State of Illinois establishing May as Hero Street Month; therefore
BE IT RESOLVED; That we, the Mayor and the City Council assembled here on this 31st day of October, 2018 join the State of Illinois in urging the U.S. Postal Service to commemorate the heroes of Hero Street in Silvis with a United States postage stamp; and
Procp/loe Moreno Alderfnan, 1st Ward
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the families of Hero Street, the Mayor of Silvis, and the U.S. Postmaster General.