Bill Text: IL HR0637 | 2023-2024 | 103rd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Congratulates Joseph L. "Joe" Belman on his 100th birthday. Thanks him for his military service to the United States of America. Recognizes his century-long journey and his enduring impact on workers' rights advocacy and mentorship in youth development.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-0)

Status: (Passed) 2024-03-13 - Resolution Adopted [HR0637 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2023-HR0637-Introduced.html

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HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
Representatives wish to congratulate Joseph L. "Joe" Belman on
the occasion of his 100th birthday and thank him for his
military service during World War II; and
WHEREAS, Joe Belman has spent his life serving his
community and his country with honor; and
WHEREAS, Joe Belman was born in Pontiac on February 20,
1924; he was adopted by Louise and Irene Belman; during his
upbringing, the lessons of diligence, responsibility, and
community he was taught became the cornerstones of his
character; and
WHEREAS, In his youth, Joe Belman worked on the
Mississippi River, where he found unexpected joy and
tranquility; and
WHEREAS, Joe Belman enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force
during World War II, serving as a B-17 Flying Fortress ball
turret gunner and achieving the rank of staff sergeant; while
exposed to the dangers of anti-aircraft fire and enemy
fighters during his 35 missions over enemy territory in the
European theater, his valorous actions contributed to pushing

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the enemy out of Europe and into Germany; and
WHEREAS, For his military service, Joe Belman was awarded
the Air Medal with five Oak Clusters and the European Ribbon
with three Battle Stars; and
WHEREAS, Joe Belman returned to the United States in April
1945, taking a unique journey home by hitchhiking across the
country; and
WHEREAS, Joe Belman married Irene in 1947, and together
they shared 59 wonderful years; and
WHEREAS, Joe Belman's commitment to service and advocacy
persisted beyond his wartime service; he showcased his
enduring dedication to community welfare through his
involvement in the Citizens' Utility Board and the Will County
Jury Commission and his leadership roles in the American G.I.
Forum and the Illinois Hispanic Democratic Council; and
WHEREAS, Joe Belman also served as a union organizer in
Lockport, dedicating himself to promoting safer working
environments and higher wages, and he helped form Service
Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 650, serving as its
first president; and

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WHEREAS, Joe Belman's impact has extended beyond formal
roles, with involvement in youth development, coaching various
sports, and community leadership, which earned him numerous
accolades; and
WHEREAS, Joe Belman's journey, from the tranquil waters of
the Mississippi River to the tumultuous skies over Germany, is
a testament to resilience, dedication to community, and the
enduring spirit of the Greatest Generation; and
WHEREAS, Joe Belman's life exemplifies the principles of
democracy, equality, and empowerment, inspiring and guiding
generations to come and leaving an indelible mark on the
landscape of labor and community service beyond the boundaries
of Illinois; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
we congratulate Joseph L. "Joe" Belman on his 100th birthday,
thank him for his military service to the United States of
America, and recognize his century-long journey and his
enduring impact on workers' rights advocacy and mentorship in
youth development; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
presented to Joe Belman as an expression of our esteem and

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