05/31/2026
Illinois Rep and Senator Everett Dierksen went on to serve as US Senator for nearly 20 years, and played a crucial role in the passage of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968.
Raised on a farm by his immigrant parents, Senator Dierksen served in the US Army during World War I, and his hometown of Pekin is now recognized as the Marigold Capitol of World thanks to his affinity for the flower.