Nature called the lakes, the forests, the prairies together in convention long before we were born, and they decided that on this spot a great city would be built. His words that morning have survived the 147 years since he delivered them…a testament to their power and truth: His parishioners gathered around him, the sun peeking through gutted walls and splintered beams, an overturned column serving as his pulpit. This is where, on the Sunday morning after the Great Chicago Fire, Reverend Robert Collyer, pastor of the First Unitarian Church, an immigrant, an ardent anti-slavery abolitionist, and a women’s suffrage advocate, stood amidst the broken ruins of his once grand church and brought hope and vision to his devastated congregation. Constitution were first ratified, ending slavery and guaranteeing a woman’s right to vote. This is where the 13th and 19th Amendments to the U.S. This is where Obama came to organize and to witness the courage that runs deep in our communities – in whom he found the fortitude to launch his bid to make history. This is where Lincoln found the mettle to grip a warring nation in both hands and hold us together. Ladies and gentlemen, for 200 years Illinois has proudly stood as the beating heart of our Republic… a place whose people have high hope and clear vision. To all of you, on behalf of the people of Illinois, thank you for your service. I want to acknowledge the other distinguished guests here today: Chief Justice Lloyd Karmeier, President John Cullerton, Speaker Michael Madigan, Leader Bill Brady, Leader Jim Durkin, Attorney General-elect Kwame Raoul, Secretary of State Jesse White, Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Treasurer Mike Frerichs, Members of the General Assembly, Members of the Congressional delegation, Governor Jim Edgar, Governor Pat Quinn, Governor Bruce Rauner, Governor Jim Thompson, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and National Guard Adjutant General Richard Hayes. And my parents Sue and Don Pritzker, who departed this world too soon more than three decades ago but who left behind a set of values around honor and decency that will endure as long as there are good people in the world.Īnd please join me in giving an ovation for my partner and your Lieutenant Governor, the incomparable Juliana Stratton. First, my partner, my best friend, the love of my life, and now the First Lady of Illinois, MK Pritzker. I want to begin today by thanking my family.
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