SUPPORT-TRIBUTE TO VALOR FNDN

104th Regular Session Introduced by John Curran

Illinois Senate expresses nonbinding support for the Tribute to Valor Foundation, encouraging programs that teach six Medal of Honor values to empower youth.

Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-9(b) / Referred to Assignments

Summary of SR615 (104th General Assembly, Illinois)

Purpose and Intent

This Senate Resolution expresses support for the Tribute to Valor Foundation and encourages Illinois residents to recognize and engage with the Foundation’s mission.

The Foundation aims to influence, inspire, and empower youth to reflect on their identity through six core values derived from the Medal of Honor (the United States' highest military decoration).

Key Provisions and Provisions of the Resolution

The Resolution outlines and defines the six core values associated with the Medal of Honor:

Courage: mental and moral strength to face fear, danger, and adversity; willingness to stand up for right even when difficult; defending those who are disenfranchised or mistreated.
Sacrifice: voluntarily surrendering personal interests for a greater good; selfless acts for others.
Patriotism: devotion to and defense of national ideals; disciplined service and belief in something greater than oneself.
Citizenship: responsible membership in a community; understanding rights and duties; contributing positively through actions like teamwork and helping others.
Integrity: doing what is right legally and morally; honesty and adherence to ethical principles; consistency between values and actions.
Commitment: dedication to a cause, person, or activity; keeping one’s word and fulfilling promises despite obstacles.

The Resolution endorses the Foundation’s goal of empowering youth to confront adversity using these six values, with the aim of helping them become better citizens.

Who/What Would Be Affected

Encourages support from all Illinois residents for the Tribute to Valor Foundation and its work.

Encourages educational programs and activities that involve veterans, first responders, and other role models to share how the six core values influence service and resilience.

Aims to integrate the Foundation’s values into community and educational settings by promoting programs that illustrate real-life application of courage, sacrifice, patriotism, citizenship, integrity, and commitment.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Type: Non-binding Senate Resolution (a ceremonial/policy statement of support from the Illinois Senate).

Sponsorship: Co-sponsored by Senator John Curran.

No fiscal impact or statutory changes are indicated; the resolution serves to publicly endorse and encourage related activities.

Suggested actions include supporting and promoting the Foundation’s mission and related educational programs within Illinois.

Potential Impact

Raises awareness of the Tribute to Valor Foundation among the public, schools, veterans groups, and community organizations.

Encourages the incorporation of Medal of Honor core values into youth programs and civic education.

May foster partnerships between schools, veterans, first responders, and community organizations to illustrate the values of courage, sacrifice, patriotism, citizenship, integrity, and commitment in everyday life.

Note: The bill is a symbolic Declaration of Support rather than a law imposing legal requirements or allocating funding.