Chicago City Council September 9th, 2020
Resolution Calling for the Metal of Honor to be awarded to Marcelino Serna
WHEREAS, Marcelino Serna is unquestionably an American Hero. Serving our country proudly during World War One; and,
WHEREAS, Private Serna received many U.S. Army decorations including the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, The French Medaille militaire, the Italian Croce al Merito di Guerra and many others; and,
WHEREAS, Private Serna's actions with Company B, 355th Infantry Regiment, 89lh Division Made him an American Hero, single handedly causing the casualties of over 50 members of the Central Powers, who were seeking to murder and maim American and Allied Soldiers; and,
WHEREAS, Private Serna was considered an American Hero by everyone that knew him or learned of his efforts. While Private Serna passed away in 1992, his achievements have been celebrated many times, including in 2016 when the United States designated the Customs and Border Protection Port of Entry located Road in Tornillo, Texas, as the "Marcelino Serna Port of Entry; and,
WHERES, Private Serna earned the prestigious Distinguished Service Cross but was told by an officer that he was not eligible for the Metal of Honor because he "did not speak enough English"; and,
WHEREAS, The United States is the greatest country in the world thanks to our diverse and varied population. That population has for over two centuries included people speaking a multitude of languages. The idea that a Soldier would be disqualified from our greatest military honor because he speaks another language is disgraceful and wrong; and,
WHEREAS, The City of Chicago and its citizens cherish our many cultures and languages. We consider Private Serna an American Hero today just like we did during World War One; and,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this 9lh day of September 2020, do call on the Federal Government to present the Me...
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