LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Orange County Veterans Service
Agency upon the occasion of hosting its Annual Veterans' Picnic on May
31, 2009

WHEREAS, Veterans of the United States Armed Forces, who served so
faithfully and courageously in wars in which our Nation's freedom was at
stake, as well as in the preservation of peace during peacetime, deserve
the highest commendation of this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Orange County Veterans Service Agency upon the occasion of hosting
its Annual Veterans' Picnic on Sunday, May 31, 2009, at Goshen Town
Park, Goshen, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Annual Veterans' Spring Picnic was conceived and imple-
mented jointly by Anthony Zippo, Director of the Orange County Veterans
Service Agency, and the Orange County Veterans Coalition; and
WHEREAS, An annual veterans event, it was first held in 2001, and was
attended by approximately 200 veterans; with each ensuing year, attend-
ance has risen steadily to the 1,000 veterans who were present in Spring
2008; and
WHEREAS, This event, along with its sister event, the Annual POW-MIA
Day held every fall, has provided the Orange County Veterans Service
Agency with the opportunity to bring veterans of all ages and arms of
service together in a relaxed family atmosphere; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the Annual Picnic creates an environment where
Veterans can readily avail themselves of the wide variety of information
and assistance the Orange County Veterans Service Agency provides; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State can never forget the coura-
geousness with which these servicemen and servicewomen fought and
provided essential services on battlefields, in jungles, in the air and
at sea; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and
thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for
their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is very pleased to have this opportu-
nity to express its gratitude to the men and women of the United States
Armed Forces for their tremendous sacrifices made for our Nation and for
the benefit of all Americans; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Orange County Veterans Service Agency upon the occasion of
hosting its Annual Veterans' Picnic on Sunday, May 31, 2009; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Anthony Zippo, Director, Orange County Veterans Service Agen-
cy.