House Joint Resolution 10 is a commemorative measure honoring Private First Class Wayne Wilder Hill Jr., a U.S. Army soldier from Company K, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. The resolution recounts his service in the Korean War, his capture as a prisoner of war near Taejon, South Korea on July 20, 1950, and his death while in captivity on October 20, 1950. It also notes the military honors he received, including the Purple Heart and several campaign and service medals.
The resolution designates a portion of Route 31 in Aurora, from Sullivan Road to Ashland Avenue, as the "PFC Wayne W. Hill Jr. Memorial Highway." It further requests the Illinois Department of Transportation to erect appropriate signs or plaques at suitable locations, subject to state and federal regulations, to identify the roadway by that memorial name.
Impact
The bill does not create or amend substantive state law; instead, it affects highway naming and memorial signage on a specific segment of Route 31 in Aurora. Its practical impact is to direct the Illinois Department of Transportation to install commemorative markers and to formally recognize PFC Hill through a state highway designation, while leaving traffic regulation and roadway ownership unchanged.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests strong bipartisan or unanimous support, with the House motion passing 117-0. The bill’s language is purely honorary, and there is no committee transcript indicating opposition or debate. Overall, the sentiment appears respectful and supportive, reflecting a consensus to honor a fallen service member.
Contention
There is little to no apparent contention in the available record. Because the resolution is commemorative, any discussion would likely be limited to the appropriateness of the memorial designation and the exact roadway segment to be named. No recorded committee objections, amendments, or dissenting votes are shown, and the only visible vote was unanimous.