LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending American Legion Department Adjutant
Richard M. Pedro upon the occasion of being named a Past National
Commander of The American Legion

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of organizations
and individuals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
American Legion Department Adjutant Richard M. Pedro of Upstate New
York, upon the occasion of receiving the honor of being named a Past
National Commander of The American Legion without actually serving a
term as national commander; and
WHEREAS, Delegates of The American Legion's 94th Annual National
Convention unanimously passed Resolution 1, which officially bestowed
the office upon the adjutant for The American Legion Department of New
York; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by
Congress in 1919, as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual
helpfulness; it is the nation's largest veterans service organization,
committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in
our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong
national security, and continued devotion to fellow service members and
veterans; and
WHEREAS, Richard M. Pedro is only the eleventh person in the history
of The American Legion to be named Past National Commander of The Ameri-
can Legion; this remarkable man joins New Yorkers Theodore Roosevelt,
Jr. and longtime U.S. Representative Hamilton Fish in this rare honor;
and
WHEREAS, Richard M. Pedro of Owego, New York, has been an active
member of The American Legion Post 401, Tioga, New York, for 68 years,
serving in a multitude of elected and appointed positions at the post,
department, and national levels; and
WHEREAS, Richard M. Pedro has consistently and continually promoted
the principles and goals of The American Legion at all levels and
promoted all the programs of The American Legion; furthermore, he has
served on the Advisory Committee to the National Commander for 35 years;
and
WHEREAS, National Commanders have consistently recognized and sought
Richard M. Pedro's unique administrative talents and organizational
skills, have sought and heeded his excellent advice and counsel in
fulfilling the principles and programs of The American Legion, and have
recognized his passion and dedication to The American Legion and its
mission; and
WHEREAS, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Indianapolis, Indiana, August 28, 29, 30, 2012, the title of Past
National Commander of The American Legion, with all its rights and priv-
ileges pertaining to such office, was bestowed upon Richard M. Pedro in
recognition of his extraordinary and unwavering service to The American
Legion; as well, appropriate ceremonies were observed at the National
Convention; 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 Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend American Legion Department Adjutant Richard M. Pedro upon the
occasion of being named a Past National Commander of The American
Legion; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Richard M. Pedro.