SJ0017LRB104 05708 LAW 15738 r SJ0017 LRB104 05708 LAW 15738 r
SJ0017 LRB104 05708 LAW 15738 r
1 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION
2 WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that the Illinois General
3 Assembly pays honor and respect to the truly great individuals
4 who have served their country; and
5 WHEREAS, Kenny Kays joined the U.S. Army in 1969 to serve
6 as a medic; as of May 7, 1970, he was serving as a private in
7 the Headquarters Company of the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry
8 Regiment, 101st Airborne Division; and
9 WHEREAS, During a firefight on that day in Thua ThienHue
10 Province, Republic of Vietnam, Pfc. Kays repeatedly allowed
11 himself to be the target of enemy fire in order to treat
12 wounded soldiers; even after losing his lower left leg to an
13 explosion, he treated the wounds of his fellow soldiers before
14 allowing his injuries to be addressed; these actions resulted
15 in the saving of numerous lives and inspired others in his
16 company to repel the enemy; and
17 WHEREAS, In November of 1973, Pfc. Kays was promoted to
18 private first class and awarded the Medal of Honor for
19 conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of
20 his life above and beyond the call of duty; and
21 WHEREAS, Pfc. Kays' heroism at the risk of his life are in
SJ0017 LRB104 05708 LAW 15738 r
SJ0017- 2 -LRB104 05708 LAW 15738 r SJ0017 - 2 - LRB104 05708 LAW 15738 r
SJ0017 - 2 - LRB104 05708 LAW 15738 r
1 keeping with the highest traditions of the service and reflect
2 great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army; therefore, be
3 it
4 RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL
5 ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF
6 REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate Illinois
7 Route 15 from the western edge of Fairfield west to the
8 intersection with County Highway 10 as the "Pfc. Kenny Kays
9 Memorial Highway"; and be it further
10 RESOLVED, That the Illinois Department of Transportation
11 is requested to erect at suitable locations, consistent with
12 State and federal regulations, appropriate plaques or signs
13 giving notice of the name "Pfc. Kenny Kays Memorial Highway";
14 and be it further
SJ0017 - 2 - LRB104 05708 LAW 15738 r