LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Pat Costello upon the occasion of his
designation as the Grand Marshal of the 2012 Utica St. Patrick's Day
Parade

WHEREAS, Saint Patrick's Day is a time for people of all nationalities
and generations to assemble and celebrate the rich culture and heritage
of the Irish people throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, A Saint Patrick's Day parade reflects and records the ongoing
history of the United States and Ireland, and provides opportunity for
people of all generations to assemble in ethnic pride and pageantry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Pat
Costello upon the occasion of his designation as the Grand Marshal of
the 2012 Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 17, 2012; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Pat Costello has been called
upon to contribute his time and talents to countless endeavors on behalf
of the local Irish community and has always given of himself unstinting-
ly; and
WHEREAS, Pat Costello was chosen for his contributions to the local
Irish community, including working for Project Children for the past 20
years and being a 26-year member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians; and
WHEREAS, Pat Costello has served as Project Children's area coordina-
tor for the past 16 years; the program has arranged summer vacations in
America for more than 14,000 children from Northern Ireland to give them
relief from the grim politics of their country; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Whitesboro, New York, and an Irish-American
himself, Pat Costello has participated in the Utica parade every year
for the past 33 years, but never as the Grand Marshal; he looks forward
to leading the parade, and is honored to follow in the footsteps of the
esteemed marshals before him; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Pat
Costello over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; and
WHEREAS, A fitting choice for Grand Marshal of the 2012 Utica St.
Patrick's Day Parade, Pat Costello embodies the spirit and the cherished
ideals and values of Irish-Americans of this great State and Nation; 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 celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Pat Costello upon the occasion of his designation as the Grand
Marshal of the 2012 Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Pat Costello.