LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Mary F. Hannick of Rochester, New
York, upon the occasion of her designation for special honor by the
American Red Cross on May 14, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character
who have inspired and brought pride to our majestic Empire State with
their strong contributions to the community and model citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Mary F. Hannick of Rochester, New York, upon the occasion of her desig-
nation for special honor by the American Red Cross on May 14, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Mary Hannick is being recognized through the American Red
Cross initiative "Service to the Armed Forces: Our Legacy Continues" for
duties she rendered on behalf of Americans in uniform during World War
II; and
WHEREAS, Motivated by a commitment to public service that had already
found expression through extensive charitable and educational work in
the Rochester area, Mary Hannick applied with the Red Cross for overseas
duties at the outset of World War II; and
WHEREAS, Informed she was ineligible because of her weight at 98
pounds, Mary Hannick overcame this obstacle and secured a position with
the Red Cross, where her first overseas destination was Le Havre,
France; and
WHEREAS, Mary Hannick's many duties included arranging military
leaves, counseling the wounded, and writing letters to the families of
patients; her experiences include the very memorable Christmas of 1945,
where she and her fellow nurses caroled for the GIs, secured presents
for war orphans in Marseilles, and attending the war crimes trials in
Nuremberg, Germany; and
WHEREAS, Upon returning to Rochester after the war, Mary Hannick began
a career with the Catholic Charities and the Genesee Settlement House,
where her devotion to others over succeeding decades and generations
earned her such love and regard that she is known to many as simply
"Aunt Mary"; and
WHEREAS, To the present day, Mary Hannick, still resplendent at the
age of 102, continues to be an active and vital member of her community,
and a loving presence for those fortunate enough to have experienced her
kindness and devotion; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Mary F. Hannick of Rochester, New York, upon the occasion of
her designation for special honor by the American Red Cross on May 14,
2011; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mary F. Hannick.