Tazewell County Photo of the Month

dirksen.jpg (8293 bytes) Everett McKinley Dirksen
"The Great Orator"
1896-1969

U.S. House of Representatives
1933-1948

U.S. Senate
1951-1969

U.S. Senate Minority Leader
1959-1969

Born and Raised in Tazewell County

Buried
Glendale Memorial Gardens
Pekin, Illinois

      "When I face an issue of great import that cleaves both constituents and colleagues, I always take the same approach. I engage in deep deliberation and quiet contemplation. I wait to the last available minute and then I always vote with the losers. Because, my friend, the winners never remember and the losers never forget."
      He was very influential in the congressional leadership, especially helping to pass the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 -- "The time has come for equality of opportunity in sharing in government, in education, and in employment. It will not be stayed or denied. It is here."
     However, Senator Dirksen will probably always be best remembered for his words regarding the spending of the majority Democrats in Congress -- "A billion here, a billion there and pretty soon you're talking real money."
     While in Congress, Senator Dirksen tried to make his favorite flower, the marigold, the national flower on five separate occasions. In support of Dirksen, the citizens of Pekin began growing marigolds. Through Dirksen's efforts, Pekin soon became known as "The Marigold Capitol of the World", a title it still holds.
     To honor the memory of Senator Dirksen, a Marigold Festival was started in 1972. On the second weekend of September each year, the community of Pekin celebrates it's community spirit by hosting over 100,000 visitors who come to enjoy the various exhibits, food, and events of the weekend - allowing non-profit organizations an opportunity to raise money for community service - thereby, insuring Senator Dirksen will be honored forever.
     In order to further honor Senator Dirksen, an endowment fund was established in his memory. A new building was created with the Pekin Public Library to house the Dirksen Congressional Center -- a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization, that seeks to improve civic engagement by promoting a better understanding of Congress and its leaders through archival, research, and educational programs.