LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending The Honorable Michael L. Dwyer upon
the occasion of being named Grand Marshal of the 2011 Utica St.
Patrick's Day Parade, to be held on March 12, 2011

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 these United States; and
WHEREAS, A Saint Patrick's Day parade reflects and records the ongoing
history of the United States and Ireland, and highlights the many
contributions and historical accomplishments of the Irish community in
this diverse land; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend The Honor-
able Michael L. Dwyer upon the occasion of being named Grand Marshal of
the 2011 Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade to be held on March 12, 2011;
and
WHEREAS, Oneida County Court Judge Michael Dwyer was chosen for this
auspicious honor in recognition of his lifetime commitment to his Irish
heritage and his community; and
WHEREAS, Judge Michael Dwyer's ancestors immigrated from Ireland in
the mid-1800s and eventually found their home in Utica, New York, in the
1940s; and
WHEREAS, A lifetime resident of Central New York, and a graduate of
Notre Dame High School, Judge Michael Dwyer attended St. Lawrence
University and St. John University School of Law before beginning a
lifelong career in Central New York; and
WHEREAS, Following 15 years of dedicated service in the Oneida County
District Attorney's Office, Judge Michael Dwyer was elected to serve as
Oneida County Court Judge, a capacity which he continues to serve today;
and
WHEREAS, Judge Michael Dwyer has worked for the local Irish community
primarily as a 16-year brother in the local John Devereux chapter of the
Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH); and
WHEREAS, While serving as Vice President for four years in his local
AOH chapter, Judge Michael Dwyer contributed significantly to the fund
raising efforts that led to the Irish monument in commemoration of the
Great Hunger which was erected at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Utica,
New York; and
WHEREAS, However, Judge Michael Dwyer's major contribution to local
charitable causes comes through his tireless work with the American
Cancer Society, to which he devoted himself after his son, Liam's battle
with cancer; today, Liam is cancer free; and
WHEREAS, Unwavering in his commitment to a cause he holds dear, Judge
Michael Dwyer continues to work hard benefiting the American Cancer
Society, evident through his sponsorship of Team Liam in the local Relay
for Life; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Marty, and their four
children, Liam, Caitlin, Sean, and Kevin, all of whom feel privileged to
be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, St. Patrick's Day is not, as many believe, a celebration of
the Patron Saint of Ireland's birth but of his death; and
WHEREAS, The St. Patrick's Day Parade celebrates the spirit, purity
and strength of the Irish Culture and its fine traditions; 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
commend The Honorable Michael L. Dwyer upon the occasion of being named
Grand Marshal of the 2011 Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade to be held on
March 12, 2011; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Michael L. Dwyer.