HR0493 LRB099 12418 MST 35707 r
1		HOUSE RESOLUTION
2		WHEREAS, The Members of the Illinois House of
3		Representatives recognize the importance of Illinoisans
4		honoring our historic connection to Abraham Lincoln; and
5		WHEREAS, Petersburg is celebrating the 50th anniversary of
6		the Lincoln Heritage Water Trail with the running of the 2015
7		Abe's River Race; and
8		WHEREAS, Illinois citizens, visitors, and participants in
9		Abe's River Race are able to explore a 12-mile portion of the
10		lower Sangamon River as it flows north from Sangamon County to
11		Lincoln's New Salem Historic Site in Petersburg; and
12		WHEREAS, In 1965, then Governor Otto Kerner signed
13		legislation creating the trail in order to open up the river
14		valley as a living tribute, providing greater public access to
15		land and waters largely unchanged since Lincoln's time; and
16		WHEREAS, The goals of the Lincoln Heritage Water Trail
17		include not only promoting community recreation, but also
18		expanding public access to our cultural history and enhancing
19		stewardship of our local environment; and
20		WHEREAS, The Sangamon River was cherished for its economic

HR0493 - 2 - LRB099 12418 MST 35707 r
1		potential and natural beauty in the days of Illinois' greatest
2		hero and it remains just as important to the lives of our
3		people today; therefore, be it
4		RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
5		NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we
6		join in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Lincoln
7		Heritage Water Trail and recognize the importance of
8		strengthening Illinois communities through engaging cultural
9		and recreational activities; and be it further
10		RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
11		presented to the Lincoln Heritage Water Trail Association as a
12		fitting symbol of our esteem and respect on the 50th
13		anniversary of the trail's designation.