LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Lewis County Memorial Veterans of
Foreign Wars Post 6912 upon the occasion of its 50th Anniversary on June
12, 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 Lewis County Memorial Veter-
ans of Foreign Wars Post 6912 upon the occasion of its 50th Anniversary
to be celebrated on Saturday, June 12, 2010, at the Post Home in
Lowville, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Lewis County Memorial VFW Post 6912 has faithfully served
the Lewis County community and its veterans over the past 50 years,
dedicating its purpose to the preservation of the values and principles
of this great republic; and
WHEREAS, The Lewis County Memorial VFW Post 6912 was instituted on
January 12, 1960, with 91 Charter members, and Thomas Sweredoski serving
as the first Commander; today, the Post has a membership of 350 and is
under the able leadership of Commander Milton Lawton; and
WHEREAS, The Ladies Auxiliary was organized on March 13, 1960, with 37
Charter members; the first Auxiliary President was Georgina Niezabyto-
ski; today, its President is Wanda Norton and its membership stands at
430 members, making it the largest Auxiliary in New York State; two of
its members have held the high office of Department of New York Ladies
Auxiliary President, Edith Lyndaker Horst and Marianne McLane, who
currently serves as the Department Treasurer; and
WHEREAS, The Men's Auxiliary was instituted approximately five years
ago and its current President is James McLane; the members of the Men's
Auxiliary assist the Post and Ladies at many of the Post's functions;
and
WHEREAS, The first meetings of Lewis County Memorial VFW Post 6912
were held in various locations in Lowville and eventually on the third
floor of the Black River Bank, which was located on the corner of Shady
Avenue and State Street; and
WHEREAS, In the Spring of 1964, the West State Street land was
purchased and construction started immediately; the Post and Auxiliary
held their first meetings at the new building in October 1964; and
WHEREAS, The main purpose of the VFW is to fight for and protect bene-
fits of veterans, as well as aid fellow veterans and the community; in
1965, the first Christmas Care Packages were sent to servicemen in Viet-
nam and this program continues today and aids any local serviceman or
woman from the area; it has grown from 25 boxes the first year to around
75 in current years; in addition, the Post has recently adopted the 6th
Platoon and two monthly boxes are sent to them during their stints over-
seas; and
WHEREAS, The Lewis County Memorial VFW Post 6912 has also opened its
doors and rooms to the Well Child Clinic, the Red Cross Bloodmobiles,
Tops Club, and the Abate Organization; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the Lewis County Memorial VFW Post 6912 works
hard to promote patriotism, fight cancer, as well as aid the elderly and
infants; it also sponsors essay and audio contests in the five Lewis
County Schools and donates items whenever needed within the community,
with the emphasis always being on helping veterans; and

WHEREAS, The occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the
Lewis County Memorial VFW Post 6912 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 Lewis County Memorial VFW Post 6912 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, the Lewis County
Memorial VFW Post 6912 celebrates, with just pride and true honor, its
50th 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
the Lewis County Memorial VFW Post 6912; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Lewis County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6912
upon the occasion of its 50th Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Milton Lawton, Commander, Lewis County Memorial Veterans of
Foreign Wars Post 6912.