Resolution 140847

..Title Commemorating the dedication of an official State historical marker that recognizes and honors Edison High School and its former students who died in the Vietnam War. ..Body WHEREAS, American veterans of the Vietnam War (1954-1973) served honorably throughout the war, fighting courageously for the nation's highest ideas - freedom, democracy, and self-determination; and WHEREAS, Sixty-four (64) of Edison High School's former students made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War - the first on November 6, 1965, and the last on January 17, 1971; and WHEREAS, Edison High School has the highest number of losses of any school in the nation during the Vietnam War; and WHEREAS, In the late 1960s, many students of Edison High School collectively bought the first wooden memorial plaque for the names of their fallen brothers; and WHEREAS, In 1989, through private funds and fundraising, the staff and students dedicated a more permanent bronze memorial plaque for public display; and WHEREAS, The tradition of respect has continued to the present day when annual candle lighting ceremonies are held to honor these young men whose lives ended too soon; and WHEREAS, These ceremonies are centered around sharing the proud legacy of Edison High School with the current staff and student body; and WHEREAS, On November 8, 2014, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission together with Dr. Darryrl Johnson, Edison Class of 1972, Military Veteran, and Teacher at Thomas Edison High School and John C. Fareira Skills Center gather to dedicate an official state historical marker commemorating Thomas Edison High School and the Vietnam War; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby commemorates the dedication of an official state historical marker that recognizes and honors Edison High School and its former students who died in the Vietnam War. RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Edison High School symbolically on behalf of all the young men who served, and especially those who sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War, evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body. ..End