2001 Assembly Joint Resolution 31
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: honoring the life of Ben Barkin.
Whereas, Ben Barkin, master of promotions who brought Milwaukee America's national treasure, the Great Circus Parade, was born in Milwaukee on June 4, 1915, and graduated from Milwaukee North Division High School; and
Whereas, during World War II, he made Milwaukee the model for the nation for war-effort fund raising; and
Whereas, in 1945, he founded what was to become the largest public relations firm in the state and was later voted best publicist in the country by America's largest newspapers; and
Whereas, in 1963, Ben Barkin developed Milwaukee's Great Circus Parade, now the largest parade of its kind in the world, featuring rare antique wagons, wild animals, and clowns; and
Whereas, Ben Barkin was a life-long advocate for civil rights and religious harmony, who received the national B'nai B'rith humanitarian award and a brotherhood award from the Wisconsin Conference of Christians and Jews; and
Whereas, Ben Barkin passed away on Friday, February 2, after a life of abiding commitment to his family and his community; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the Wisconsin legislature hereby honors Ben Barkin and salutes his spirit and long record of accomplishment.
