LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Town of Esopus Post 1298 American
Legion upon the occasion of celebrating its 65th Anniversary on April 7,
2010

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations within the State of New York whose focus and
intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their
communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Town of Esopus Post 1298 American Legion upon the occasion of celebrat-
ing its 65th Anniversary on Wednesday, April 7, 2010, at Stonehedge,
West Park, New York; and
WHEREAS, Town of Esopus Post 1298 American Legion was formed 65 years
ago and its original charter roll had 277 members; presently, there are
approximately 10 members from the original roll who are still active in
the Post; and
WHEREAS, The first Commander of Town of Esopus Post 1298 American
Legion was P.J. Beichert and today, the Post is under the able leader-
ship of Michael Melendy; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its distinguished history, Town of Esopus Post
1298 American Legion has worked tirelessly to serve local Veterans and
has also been committed to helping the community at-large; and
WHEREAS, Town of Esopus Post 1298 American Legion has several continu-
ing projects including: visiting the Veterans Hospitals in Albany and
Castle Point as well as individual veterans in nursing homes; maintain-
ing a service locker and sickroom equipment for Veterans and the commu-
nity; organizing the Memorial Day parade and ceremonies including the
decoration of all its deceased veterans' graves; and hosting ceremonies
every Veteran's Day, at its monument at the Klyne Museum; it also holds
a flag ceremony and program at the local elementary school; and
WHEREAS, In 1952, Town of Esopus Post 1298 American Legion founded and
continues to support the Town's Little League program; each year, it
also sponsors an outstanding high school junior boy to attend American
Legion's Boys State; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Town of Esopus Post 1298 American Legion spon-
sored a Patriotic essay contest for over 20 years as well as a Town Card
Party for over 30 years; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Town of Esopus Post 1298 American Legion is work-
ing on building a new Veteran's Monument to honor all men and women from
the Town of Esopus that served in the Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, The occasion of the 65th Anniversary of the founding of the
Town of Esopus Post 1298 American Legion 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,
and on the many contributions rendered to community organizations; and
WHEREAS, Mindful of its proud and honored history, Town of Esopus Post
1298 American Legion celebrates with just pride and true honor, its 65th
Anniversary 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
Town of Esopus Post 1298 American Legion; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Town of Esopus Post 1298 American Legion upon the occasion of
celebrating its 65th Anniversary on April 7, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Town of Esopus Post 1298 American Legion.