WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that the Illinois General Assembly pays honor and respect to the truly great individuals who have served our country and, in doing so, have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation; and

WHEREAS, United States Army Specialist Christopher A. Patterson of North Aurora was killed in action in Afghanistan on January 6, 2012, along with 3 of his fellow Indiana National Guardsmen; and

WHEREAS, Spc. Patterson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 17, 1991 to Robert and Mary (nee Schneider) Patterson; he graduated from West Aurora High School in 2009 and continued his studies in music education at Valparaiso University in Indiana, where he was a member of the professional music fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and toured with the school's premiere vocal ensemble, the Chorale; he also composed and arranged music with a cappella group VuVox and for the West High STUDy Hall Choir; he was co-captain and first board for the West High Chess Team and was honored to be under the tutelage of Robert Payne; and

WHEREAS, Spc. Patterson came from a strong military family; he enlisted with the Indiana National Guard and served as a 12B Combat Engineer with the 713th Engineering Company (Sapper) based out of the Valparaiso Armory; and

WHEREAS, Despite receiving an authorized exception on his deployment to complete his studies, Spc. Patterson, embodying the true spirit of patriotism and bravery, volunteered to accompany his unit on its deployment; and

WHEREAS, Spc. Patterson is survived by his parents, Robert and Mary Patterson; his 3 brothers, Carl Patterson, Sean (Anna) Patterson, and Thomas Patterson; his paternal grandparents, Durland and Sally (nee Clark) Patterson; his maternal grandparents, Jim and Claire (nee Dux) Schneider; his godparents, Kathy and George Jirasek; many aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins, and dear friends; and by his "adopted" siblings, Billy Czech, Aaron Foster, and Candace Robinson;

therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate the section of Illinois Route 31 as it passes through North Aurora as the "Spc. Christopher A. Patterson Memorial Highway";

and be it further RESOLVED, That the Illinois Department of Transportation is requested to erect at suitable locations, consistent with State and federal regulations, appropriate plaques or signs giving notice of the name "Spc. Christopher A. Patterson Memorial Highway";

and be it further RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and the family of Spc. Patterson.

House Joint Resolution 96 of the 99^th General Assembly of the Illinois Legislature was introduced on September 9, 2015 and referred to committee. On November 10, 2015, the Transportation Committee for Regulation, Roads & Bridges voted unanimously (11-0) to recommend adoption and on December 2, 2015 the full Illinois house of Representatives voted unanimously (107-0) to adopt the Resolution.

On December 4, 2015 the House-adopted resolution was sent to the Illinois Senate and on January 13, 2016 the Senate unanimously (49-0) endorsed the Resolution. And now, on April 16, 2016 a dedication ceremony unveiled signage:

Hug a governor: 44 photos Pat Quinn (D) was Lieutenant Governor and then Governor from January, 2003 until January, 2015. He attended nearly every PGR KIA mission. By the time he was succeeded by Bruce Rauner (R) KIA missions had become rare.

Escort: 35 photos So it was an honor for Chris to have Governor Rauner attend this dedication and it was an honor for the PGR to have the Governor ride the lead bike-pair with Skinny Dave.

Ready: 39 photos The Patterson family was joined by other Gold Star families, JROTC cadets, Boy Scouts and many representatives of government.

Set: 16 photos An a cappella rendition of the National Anthem coordinated with the JROTC Color Guard evoked a respectful audience salute.

Go: 30 photos Speeches. Both the Pastor Ron Wagner (14:10*) and the Governor Bruce Rauner (17:40*) spoke of a servant’s heart, in the Christian sense.

Unveiling: 19 photos As long as Highway 31 runs through North Aurora, its dedication to a local hero will be exhibited.

*45 minute YouTube video

Tribune and Daily Herald

Patterson funeral mission

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