LRB-3662/1
LVF:amn
2023 - 2024 LEGISLATURE
2023 ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTIO N 63
July 17, 2023 - Introduced by Representatives PRONSCHINSKE, SUMMERFIELD,
SINICKI, BALDEH, C. ANDERSON, DITTRICH, DONOVAN, DRAKE, EDMING, EMERSON,
GREEN, GUNDRUM, KITCHENS, KRUG, MICHALSKI, MURPHY, O'CONNOR, OHNSTAD,
PENTERMAN, PETRYK, ROZAR, SCHRAA, STEFFEN, SUBECK, TITTL, VOS and
BEHNKE. Referred to Committee on Rules.
***AUTHORS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***
Relating to: honoring the legacy of Old Abe, Wisconsin's Civil War eagle.
Whereas, Old Abe became an iconic symbol of the Civil War as he fought
alongside the soldiers of the Eighth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment; and
Whereas, in the hopes of making him a cherished mascot for the regiment,
Lieutenant James McGuire purchased Old Abe for $2.50 from Captain John E.
Perkins; and
Whereas, during his three-year enlistment, Old Abe fearlessly participated in
over 30 battles throughout the war, including the Battle of Vicksburg, the Siege of
Vicksburg, and the Battle of Jackson; and
Whereas, Old Abe served as a trusted guardian for his fellow soldiers, using his
keen sense of danger to more than once alert the regiment of potential Confederate
ambushes; and
Whereas, Old Abe's fierce reputation earned him the nickname “Yankee
Buzzard” among Confederate soldiers, who despised him to such an extent that
bounties were placed on his life; and
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LRB-3662/1
LVF:amn
2023 - 2024 Legislature
Whereas, on March 26, 1881, Old Abe passed away after almost 20 years of life,
leaving behind a profound legacy of courage, boldness, and ferocity that was written
about in history books and inspired future generations of Americans, including
President Theodore Roosevelt; and
Whereas, Old Abe is memorialized in a magnificent six foot tall statue soaring
atop a 47.5 foot granite column in Vicksburg, Mississippi, reminding all of his
enduring significance and devotion to duty; and
Whereas, Old Abe's legacy extends to additional wars, as he was further
memorialized on the shoulder patch of the illustrious 101st Airborne Division in
World Wars I and II; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the Wisconsin
Legislature recognizes and commemorates Old Abe, Wisconsin's Civil War eagle, for
his invaluable service to the Eighth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment and his
lasting legacy as a symbol of valor, patriotism, and vigilance.
(END)
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