WHEREAS, Frank Nelson Thrasher, Sr., veteran, public servant, and long-time resident of the LeClaire-Hearst community, recently celebrated the joyous occasion of his 100th birthday; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of this milestone by the Honorable Michael Rodriguez, Alderman of the 22nd Ward; and
WHEREAS, Frank Nelson Thrasher, Sr., affectionately known as "Poppo" to family and friends, joined the Montfort Point United States Marine Corps in 1943 - the Montford Point Marines were the first Black Americans to enlist in the racially segregated military and the U.S. Marine Corps after President Franklin Roosevelt issued an Executive Order in June, 1941 that established a segregated training camp exclusively for Black Marines at Montfort Point during WWII; and
WHEREAS, In boot camp, Frank was assigned to Platoon 227 at Montford Point, North Carolina before he was assigned to the 52nd Defense Battalion as a Private First Class with the Military Special Weapons and Land Tank Ordnance Company; in 1945 Frank was promoted to the rank of Corporal, and was subsequently promoted to Sergeant; and
WHEREAS, During his military career, Frank traveled throughout the U.S. and abroad, including to the Hawaiian Islands and to Sasebo, Japan; and
WHEREAS, Frank became a Marine Corps reservist after WWII, and served stateside on active and reserve duty during the Korean and Vietnam wars before his official discharge in 1965; and
WHEREAS, In 2012, along with his fellow Montford Point Marines, Frank was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President Barack Obama, for: "Outstanding perseverance and courage that inspired social change in the Marine Corps and in recognition of the Montford Point Marines' personal sacrifice and service to our country during World War M"; and
WHEREAS, In civilian life, Frank worked for Swift & Company and the Cook County Hospital, and retired from the Chicago Department of Water Management after 23 years of service; and
WHEREAS, Frank is a lover of jazz music, and spends his time listening to his favorite big band orchestras, solo artists, and singers; and
WHEREAS, Frank has been a resident of the LeClaire-Hearst community in the 22nd Ward for over 50 years, and his service to the country and his community are an inspiration to all; and
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this twenty sixth day of January, 2022 do hereby congratulate Frank Nelson Thrasher, Sr. on his 100th birthday, and wish him continued happiness and success in all his future endeavors; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Frank Nelson Thrasher, Sr. as a token of our esteem, honor, and respect.
MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ Alderman, 22nd Ward
SEMPER Fl