LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Allied Veterans Memorial Committee
of Ridgewood and Glendale upon the occasion of its Memorial Day Parade
on May 28, 2012

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend events which symbolize the historical, social and cultural
development of this great State and embody the spirit of the principles
upon which this Nation was founded; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
Allied Veterans Memorial Committee of Ridgewood and Glendale upon the
occasion of its Memorial Day Parade on May 28, 2012; and
WHEREAS, New York State was the first State to formally recognize
Memorial Day, then known as Decoration Day, as a holiday to honor our
fallen veterans; and
WHEREAS, Memorial Day is not a celebration, but rather a day of taking
time out for remembrance, as characterized by our ancestors who observed
the day by taking time out to remember family members and neighbors who
lost their lives in the Civil War that divided our nation; and
WHEREAS, Those honored has expanded beyond fallen Union soldiers to
include all American soldiers who died in defense of their country
during any war; and
WHEREAS, Despite the changing dates, names, and those honored, the
intent of what we now know as Memorial Day remains intact, namely to set
aside a day to show respect for the brave men and women who have
defended our nation by taking up arms and laying down their lives in
doing so; and
WHEREAS, This vital tradition remains intact largely due to the dedi-
cation and hard work of individuals and organizations like the Allied
Veterans Memorial Committee of Greater Ridgewood and Glendale; today,
the Committee is under the able leadership of its President, Paul Shot-
tenhamel; and
WHEREAS, As we remember our deceased veterans, we also recall their
brave and noble deeds, that in the more than 200 years of our country's
existence, have served to maintain our most precious freedoms; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Allied Veterans Memorial Committee of Ridgewood and Glendale
upon the occasion of its Memorial Day Parade on May 28, 2012; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Paul Shottenhamel, President of the Allied Veterans Memorial
Committee of Ridgewood and Glendale, New York.