LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Veterans of Foreign Wars William
M. Gouse Jr. Post 3211 upon the occasion of celebrating its 75th Anni-
versary on February 20, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend and support
the purposeful cause of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the United
States of America, recognizing its long and sustained commitment to the
principles of democracy and freedom so revered by this State and Nation;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to recog-
nize the just purpose and good works of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
William M. Gouse Jr. Post 3211 upon the occasion of its 75th Anniversary
to be celebrated on Saturday, February 20, 2010; and
WHEREAS, The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3211 has faithfully served
the Hicksville, New York, community and its veterans over the past 75
years, dedicating its purpose to the preservation of the values and
principles of this great republic; and
WHEREAS, Originally named the Manetto Plains Post, it received its
Charter on February 4, 1935, and was instituted on February 11, 1935;
and
WHEREAS, The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3211 was originally
comprised of 20 comrades from World War I and had a total membership of
51; throughout the years membership has swollen to as many as 500
members and at the present time consists of 320 members; and
WHEREAS, The Manetto Plains Post was renamed the William M. Gouse Jr.
Post 3211 several years later per the agreement by the World War I
comrades of the Post, that the first member to pass away would have the
Post renamed after him; William M. Gouse Jr. died on October 6, 1938, at
the age of 39; and
WHEREAS, The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3211 purchased the land on
which it calls home in 1946; the building was completed in 1948, and a
new wing was added in September 1973; and
WHEREAS, For the past 75 years, the members of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars Post 3211 have been dedicated to their nation, community and fellow
veterans; and
WHEREAS, The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3211 was among the first
veterans' organizations to make a donation for the refurbishing of the
Statute of Liberty; in addition, the Post has made contributions to the
Hicksville Veterans Memorial Fund, including the Korean and Vietnam
Monuments at Hicksville Middle School and the Nassau monuments at Eisen-
hower Park; it has also provided aid to the Long Island National Ceme-
tery to help modify and relocate the carillon; and
WHEREAS, In December of 2004, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3211 under
the direction of William Walden, gave the 800th Military Police Brigade
a welcome home party upon their return from Iraq; the Post had adopted
them under the VFW MAP program; today, the Hicksville VFW continues to
sponsor them and most recently hosted their 2009 Family Holiday Party;
and
WHEREAS, Last year, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3211 sent out over
500 packages to its servicemen and women overseas; additionally, Post
members and Auxiliary members often visit local hospitals where they
provide much appreciated entertainment and gifts to patients and their
families; and
WHEREAS, The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3211 also bestows annual
"Voice of Democracy" awards to the top three students from Hicksville
High School and Holy Trinity High School as well as "Patriot's Pen"

awards to the top three students from the Hicksville Middle School;
moreover, each year, it presents a scholarship to a well-deserving
senior from Hicksville High School; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its distinguished history, the Veterans of Foreign
Wars Post 3211 has received numerous awards; in 1983, it claimed top
prize for the National Coloring Book Contest, it has also been recog-
nized for its dedication to veteran employment; in 2009, it received
VFW's National Recognition Award for contributions through sponsorship
and promotion of local community program activities; and
WHEREAS, The members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3211 are
always available to support veterans and their families in times of
need, they are a symbol of military heritage, community and patriotism;
and
WHEREAS, The occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3211 is a time to pause and reflect on the
events it conducts in reverent tribute to the men and women who served
their country in defense of its ideals of democracy and freedom, on the
many contributions rendered to community organizations, and on its
continuing efforts to foster understanding of their heritage and role in
society; and
WHEREAS, The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3211 has a noble past,
accomplishing its mission and performing its good deeds in a spirit of
comradeship true to the highest traditions of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars of the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, Mindful of its proud and honored history, Veterans of Foreign
Wars Post 3211 celebrates with just pride and true honor, its 75th Anni-
versary of service to its community and the needs and values of veterans
across the State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
devoted leadership of the Post's outstanding Commanders, both present
and past, and the absolute commitment of its many proud members, noting
the role played by this exceptional organization and recognizing the
significance of the contributions and sacrifices of the membership of
the Veterans of Foreign Wars William M. Gouse Jr. Post 3211; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Veterans of Foreign Wars William M. Gouse Jr. Post 3211 upon
the occasion of its 75th Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to William Walden, Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars William
M. Gouse Jr. Post 3211.