AJR63,,112023 ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION 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, cosponsored by Senator Jacque. Referred to Committee on Rules.
AJR63,,22Relating to: honoring the legacy of Old Abe, Wisconsin’s Civil War eagle. AJR63,,33Whereas, Old Abe became an iconic symbol of the Civil War as he fought alongside the soldiers of the Eighth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment; and AJR63,,44Whereas, 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 AJR63,,55Whereas, 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 AJR63,,66Whereas, 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 AJR63,,77Whereas, 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 AJR63,,88Whereas, 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 AJR63,,99Whereas, 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 AJR63,,1010Whereas, 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 AJR63,,1111Resolved 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.
