LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Charles Callen upon the occasion of
being selected as Veteran of the Year by the Fulton Service Clubs

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's
freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peace-
time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Charles Callen
upon the occasion of his being selected as Veteran of the Year by the
Fulton Service Clubs, to be celebrated at the 31st Fulton Service Clubs'
Memorial Day Salute on Saturday, May 26, 2012; and
WHEREAS, Charles Callen, a World War II veteran who was a soldier with
the 14th Army Division, will serve as Grand Marshal of this year's Memo-
rial Day parade, the theme of which is "America... Worth Fighting For";
and
WHEREAS, Charles Callen was chosen for this prestigious honor in infi-
nite gratitude and appreciation for his service to our country; and
WHEREAS, Charles Callen, a 35 year member of the Fulton VFW, began his
military career with the U.S. Army in 1944 at the age of eighteen; and
WHEREAS, With the 14th Army Division, he saw action in Epinal and
Alsace-Lorraine in France and in Germany at the Czech border; and
WHEREAS, At the end of the World War II, he served with the Army of
Occupation in both France and Germany; and
WHEREAS, Charles Callen also served as a Corporal of the Guard at
camps in Germany and was responsible for driving army tanks; and
WHEREAS, Charles Callen was awarded three battle stars, the Army of
Occupation Medal and the European theatre of Operation Medal for his
distinguished service; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who risked their
lives for their beloved Nation; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Charles Callen has demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore, the highest respect of his State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and
thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for
their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Charles Callen upon the occasion of being selected as Veteran of
the Year by the Fulton Service Clubs; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Charles Callen.