LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Vincent Speciale upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition at his retirement from the
American Fireworks Manufacturing Company, Inc. of Utica, New York, after
many years of dedicated service

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves
through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives
of service to their community and their profession; and
WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Vincent Speciale upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition at his retirement from the American Fireworks Manufacturing
Company, Inc. of Utica, New York, after many years of dedicated service;
and
WHEREAS, The American Fireworks Manufacturing Company, Inc. of Utica,
New York, is one of the largest fireworks display companies in the
northeast; with over five generations of fireworks experience and know-
ledge it offers a unique combination of old world traditions and modern
technology; and
WHEREAS, The American Fireworks Manufacturing Company, Inc. began its
roots in the United States when Vincenzo Speciale immigrated from Paler-
mo, Sicily; with the help of his son, Joseph, he built the company to
become one of New York State's leaders of display fireworks; and
WHEREAS, Vincent ("Vinny") Speciale learned all aspects of the five
generations-old family craft of fireworks display from his father,
Joseph, and became a Master Pyrotechnician; in 1983 he purchased sole
ownership of the business from his father's estate; and
WHEREAS, Currently, the American Fireworks Manufacturing Company, Inc.
is considered one of the largest manufacturers of display fireworks in
New York and in the entire northeast; many of its products still use the
secret formulas brought over by Vincenzo Speciale from Palermo in a
little black book; and
WHEREAS, In January 2008, in Rochester, New York, at the combined
convention of The New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs and
New York State Show Peoples Association, Vincent Speciale received the
prestigious Show Person of the Year Award; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Vincent Speciale has
stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of his colleagues, family and friends; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 47 years, Donna, as
well as their two children, Kevin and Kimberly; and three grandsons,
Kevin, Matthew and Tyler, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of
his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire
State; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his dedication, commitment and efforts on
behalf of his community and his profession, it is the sense of this
Legislative Body to extend its highest commendation to Vincent Speciale;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Vincent Speciale upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition at his retirement from the American Fireworks Manu-
facturing Company, Inc. of Utica, New York, after many years of dedi-
cated service, and to wish him well in all of his future endeavors; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Vincent Speciale.