LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Ameri-
can Legion Auxiliary Williston Unit 144

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of organizations
and individuals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 80th Anniversary of the American Legion Auxiliary Williston
Unit 144, to be celebrated on Sunday, March 25, 2012; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion was founded by members of the American
Expeditionary Forces (AEF) who convened at Paris, France, on March
15-19, 1919; Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., son of Presi-
dent Theodore Roosevelt, native New Yorker, and hero of the Spanish
American War, was in the vanguard of the AEF members at the convocation;
and
WHEREAS, The following May, soldiers, sailors and marines representing
every state, met in St. Louis to ratify the action of the AEF, already
endorsed by the highest military authorities, and launched the American
Legion as a national organization of American veterans which draws its
membership from men and women who have served in the Armed Services of
the United States during a period of Congressionally recognized war or
armed conflict; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion Auxiliary is the largest patriotic
women's service organization in the world, with nearly one million
members; affiliated with the American Legion, the Auxiliary is a veter-
ans' service organization with members in nearly 10,100 American commu-
nities and sponsors volunteer programs on the national and local levels,
serving veterans, their families, young people, and the community; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion Auxiliary Williston Unit 144 was char-
tered in March of 1932, and has supported the members of our Armed Forc-
es during the past 80 years; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the American Legion Auxiliary Williston Unit
144 has had 55 different presidents, 4 of which have served as County
Presidents; and
WHEREAS, Today under the leadership of its current president, Ellen
Randle, the American Legion Auxiliary Williston Unit 144 is the largest
unit in Nassau County; and
WHEREAS, The unit has 12 Life Members who were so honored for their
continued dedication to the Unit and the American Legion Auxiliary as a
whole; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion Auxiliary Williston Unit 144 is committed
to the principles of Americanism, Children and Youth, Membership, and
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation; and
WHEREAS, Each year, the generous and dedicated women of the Williston
Unit march in area parades and attend patriotic events; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion Auxiliary Williston Unit 144 also has a
very worthwhile program called Empire Girl State that affords girls from
high schools in New York State an opportunity to live together in self
governing units; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, the Williston Unit welcomes Special Friends (Group
Homes) to dances twice a year, with over 100 friends attending; and
WHEREAS, The dedicated and patriotic women of the American Legion
Auxiliary Williston Unit 144 frequently visit Veterans homes and hospi-
tals; they make lap robes, scarves and collect coupons to be sent to

veterans' families and other items that are sent to active duty service-
men and women; and
WHEREAS, For 80 years, the women of the American Legion Auxiliary
Williston Unit 144 have distinguished themselves in service to their
country and their community; it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
recognize the significance of their contributions and to note that their
worthy endeavors continue to foster the traditions of patriotism, excel-
lence, and commitment which have made our nation strong; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the American Legion Auxiliary Willi-
ston Unit 144, and to commend its members, past and present, on behalf
of a grateful community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the American Legion Auxiliary Williston Unit 144.