LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States Robert F. Garrison Post 3350 upon the occasion of its 75th
Anniversary

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 of
the United States Robert F. Garrison Post 3350 upon the occasion of
celebrating its 75th Anniversary on Saturday, September 25, 2010; and
WHEREAS, The Robert F. Garrison Post 3350 has faithfully served the
East Rockaway, 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, The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, with its
Auxiliaries, includes 2.2 million members in approximately 8,100 Posts
worldwide; and
WHEREAS, Its mission is to "honor the dead by helping the living"
through veterans' service, community service, national security and a
strong national defense; and
WHEREAS, The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the
Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902)
founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their
service as many arrived home wounded or sick; there was no medical care
or veterans' pension for them, and they were left to care for them-
selves; and
WHEREAS, As a result, some of these veterans banded together and
formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of
Foreign Wars of the United States; after chapters were formed in Ohio,
Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum; by
1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000;
and
WHEREAS, Since then, the VFW's voice has been instrumental in estab-
lishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI Bill for the 20th
Century, the development of the national cemetery system and the fight
for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veter-
ans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome; and
WHEREAS, In 2008, VFW won a long-fought victory with the passing of a
GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to
America's active-duty service members, and members of the Guard and
Reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the VFW has fought hard to improve VA medical
centers services for women veterans; and
WHEREAS, Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War,
World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, the VFW in 2005
became the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the
new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which is being constructed in
Washington, D.C., and is expected to open in 2010; and
WHEREAS, In 2001, VFW unveiled its tribute to service and country with
its dedication of Centennial Plaza; and
WHEREAS, Annually, VFW members and its Auxiliary contribute more than
13 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including partic-
ipation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week; and

WHEREAS, The occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the
Robert F. Garrison Post 3350 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 Robert F. Garrison Post 3350 has a noble past, accom-
plishing 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, Robert F. Garrison
Post 3350 celebrates, with just pride and true honor, its 75th Anniver-
sary 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 of the United States Robert F. Garrison
Post 3350; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Robert F.
Garrison Post 3350 upon the occasion of its 75th Anniversary; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joseph McCarthy, Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States Robert F. Garrison Post 3350.