RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, First Lady Michelle Obama has launched a campaign entitled Joining Forces which seeks to support military families; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of this event by Aldermen Edward M. Burke and James Balcer; and
WHEREAS, The campaign will focus on employment, education and wellness and operate under the slogan, "Everyone can do something," as it urges all of America to support families of military personnel; and
WHEREAS, Wal-Mart and Sam's Club have already announced that they will guarantee jobs to employees forced to move due to the transfer of a military spouse; and
WHEREAS, The YMCA has offered to ensure that thousands of children of military personnel attend free summer camps; and
WHEREAS, The campaign was initiated at a White House ceremony at which all of America was somberly reminded of the supreme sacrifice made by our troops who have suffered a death toll of 5,957 dead and 43,006 wounded in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, First Lady Michelle Obama will partner in the campaign with Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden; and
WHEREAS, First Lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden plan to visit military families in North Carolina, Texas, Colorado and Ohio; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this thirteenth day of April, 2011, do hereby urge all Chicago residents and companies to demonstrate their support for our troops by participating in the Joining Forces Campaign; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to First Lady Michejre Obama.