LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring George Heron upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition

WHEREAS, Our elders bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the
increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
George Heron upon the occasion of his designation for special recogni-
tion; and
WHEREAS, George Heron, with his zest for life and for the Seneca
Nation of Indians and its history, has celebrated his 90th birthday; he
was born on February 22, 1919, to David and Flora Tallchief Heron in the
Red House community; and
WHEREAS, This venerable gentleman has distinguished himself by his
sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the Seneca Nation as
an historian, a linguist, a teacher and the President of the Seneca
Nation for two terms in 1958 and 1962; and
WHEREAS, George Heron valiantly served our country through his service
in the United States Navy in World War II in the Pacific, Mediterranean
and European theaters of war, and was awarded two Purple Hearts and two
Bronze Stars; and
WHEREAS, This honored veteran served as Commander of American Legion
Hughes-Skiba Post 535, as Events Coordinator for Seneca veterans of
World War II and is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; and
WHEREAS, For the past 50 years, he has helped organize and manage the
Jimersontown Presbyterian Church's Annual Indian Foods Dinner, as well
as provided the dinner's invocation in the Seneca language; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man has been repeatedly honored for
support of his community through civic involvement, including service as
an Elder of the Presbyterian Church, member of the Iroquois National
Museum Board of Directors, representative to the New York State Depart-
ment of Aging, and leader of the Iroquois Agricultural Society; and
WHEREAS, This dedicated family man has made substantial contributions
to his family as a loving husband, father, and grandfather; with his
wife, he raised three wonderful children, Tyler, David and Gloria, and
today can boast about his seven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchil-
dren, and one great-great-grandchild; and
WHEREAS, George Heron has enriched the lives of those around him
through his belief in the power of brotherly love and the wisdom which
comes only from a fullness of years; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those who have witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural
developments and awesome achievements of this country during the last 90
years, while themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor George Heron upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to George Heron.