"A New Era for Illinois" (plaque)
A NEW ERA FOR ILLINOIS - Title of Plaque passed by Gov. Ogilvie to AEC Chairman Seaborg at luncheon.
The following is the text of the "New Era for Illinois" plaque presented by Gov. Richard B. Ogilvie to Glenn T. Seaborg, chairman, U. F. Atomic Energy Commission, at the April 10, 1969, site conveyance luncheon:
A NEW ERA FOR ILLINOIS
The people of Illinois proudly present their fertile acres and accomplished talent to the nation for the development of a major laboratory devoted to the peaceful exploration of nature by particle physicists.
Today, April 10, 1969, launches A New Era for Illinois. It marks the birthdate of a period that will encourage the continuing growth of both private and public research centers and industries engaged in modern technology and scientific investigation. This gift of the good land of Illinois to the high energy physics community is symbolic of Illinois' sincere interest in the revelation and communication of new and vital knowledge for all mankind.
The National Accelerator Laboratory will be a significant cathedral for research and learning and an international house for scholars. It promises a firm foundation on which the future of Illinois, and of mankind, can be anchored in an academic as well as economic sense.
Illinois is thankful for this opportunity to serve society. It pledges to be a considerate and thoughtful host to the Laboratory's staff and visitors.
It was with sacrifice to many persons and through cooperative efforts of community and county leaders, state and national authorities, and elected officials at the local, state, and national levels that these 6,800 acres of our most productive land were made available.
It was in Illinois that the first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction was achieved which ushered in the atomic age and helped secure for the people of the world the benefits of the progress in science and technology. And now a New Era for Illinois begins, offering new challenges for the nation as well as for the state. We are pleased and proud to join in this venture with the United States Atomic Energy Commission.
Richard B. Ogilvie