LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Francis X. Comerford upon the occasion
of his designation as Grand Marshal of the New York City 2012 St.
Patrick's Day Parade

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those individuals of true purpose and worthy accomplishment who work
diligently to preserve and celebrate their rich cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Francis X. Comerford upon the occasion of his designation as Grand
Marshal of the New York City 2012 St. Patrick's Day Parade; and
WHEREAS, In acknowledgment of this most prestigious appointment, Fran-
cis (Frank) Comerford will have the honor of leading the 251st consec-
utive New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade up Fifth Avenue on Satur-
day, March 17, 2012; and
WHEREAS, New York City St. Patrick's Parade marched for the first time
in 1762, 14 years before the Declaration of Independence was signed in
Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; the Parade is regarded as
the most popular of all the Parades in New York City, and honors Saint
Patrick - the patron Saint of the Archdiocese of New York and Ireland;
and
WHEREAS, The New York Parade consists only of marchers and each year
hosts some 250,000 marchers and two million spectators; the Parade has
many outstanding marching bands, bagpipers in marching formations, high-
school and college bands from throughout the United States and from all
over the world; and
WHEREAS, Chief Revenue Officer and President of Commercial Operations
for NBC Owned Television Stations, Frank Comerford was born and raised
in Brooklyn and traces his Irish ancestry to County Kilkenny; he is
active in community affairs and has received numerous honors from many
organizations recognizing his lifelong endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Frank Comerford is an outstanding Irish American who has
devoted a huge amount of his energy and charisma contributing to the
legacy of the Irish in this great country; he has been instrumental in
raising the profile of the Parade across the world through the media of
television and the web; and
WHEREAS, A St. Patrick's Day Parade reflects and records the ongoing
history of the United States and Ireland, and provides an opportunity
for people of all generations to assemble in ethnic pride and pageantry;
and
WHEREAS, A fitting choice for Grand Marshal for the New York City St.
Patrick's Day Parade, Frank Comerford embodies the spirit and the cher-
ished ideals and values of Irish-Americans of this great State and
Nation; 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
honor Francis X. Comerford upon the occasion of his designation as Grand
Marshal of the New York City 2012 St. Patrick's Day Parade; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Francis X. Comerford.