Recognizing Philadelphia born actor Elliot Ruiz on the May 17th premier of his film Battle for Haditha.

WHEREAS, Elliot Ruiz is a Philadelphia native and graduate of Edison High School; and

WHEREAS, Elliot's mother, Eugenia Burgos, is a retired city employee and a long time community activist; and

WHEREAS, Elliot is a former US Marine Corporal and an Iraq War Veteran; and

WHEREAS, Elliot was the youngest Marine deployed in Iraq and was part of the first invasion force to cross into Iraq in 2003; and

WHEREAS, Elliot and his unit, while deployed in Iraq, were responsible for rescuing Shoshanna Johnson along with six other prisoners of war; and

WHEREAS, Elliot was injured during the rescue mission, and his story was the subject of the Pulitzer prize-nominated play,

Elliot

,

a Soldier's Fugue

; and

WHEREAS, Elliot was runner up for best actor in the San Sebastian film festival for his role in

Battle for Haditha

; and

WHEREAS, Elliot starred in the film Shapeshifter in 2005 and in a TV movie Relations in 2008; now therefore

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes and celebrates Elliot Ruiz on his achievement in the arts and his military service to our country. We applaud him on the success of his new film,

Battle for Haditha

. May his courage, success and hard work be an inspiration to all young Philadelphians for years to come.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Elliot as evidence of the sincere sentiments and recognition of this legislative body.

Muchas Felicidades!

End