Senate Resolution No. 2185

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the Troy
Flag Day Parade on June 11, 2017

WHEREAS, Each and every city, town, village and hamlet within its
borders proudly resonates with the rich and noble history of New York
State and this Nation; and

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
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Troy Flag Day Parade on Sunday,
June 11, 2017; and

WHEREAS, The Troy Flag Day Parade was established in early 1967,
during which time protests against the Vietnam War were taking place
across the nation; several of the protestors were burning the American
Flag at their rallies, infuriating many Americans and none so more than
our veterans; and

WHEREAS, In Troy, New York, former United States Marine, James
"Jimmy" Pasinella, a postal carrier, had enough of the destruction of
the Flag and with the support of his fellow postal workers and various
civic organizations, organized a parade on Troy's main thoroughfare
known as Fourth Street; and

WHEREAS, This inaugural event included Troy's famous Doring's
Marching Band along with 75 to 100 marchers holding and waving American
Flags; and

WHEREAS, Through the years the parade has had many different looks,
routes, and positive changes benefiting marchers, spectators, and
municipal workers for ease of operations in conducting such a large
event; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Troy Flag Day Parade has always
taken place on the Sunday of, or the Sunday before Flag Day on June
14th; and

WHEREAS, For the past five decades, the Troy Flag Day Parade has
consisted of numerous veteran organizations, military complements, civic
groups, police officers, firefighters, sheriffs, Boy and Girl Scout
troops, athletic groups, television and radio stations, high school
contingents, and many others; and

WHEREAS, In addition, the parade has been known to host some of the
greatest marching, and drum corps bands throughout the Northeast and
Canada; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Troy Flag Day Parade has been touted as the
nation's largest Flag Day celebration, attracting 50,000 spectators
along its parade route; and

WHEREAS, The treasured values of families united and wholesome
entertainment for all ages reflected in this event help to foster
community spirit and cooperation, as well as preserve the beliefs,
ideals and values for which our forefathers declared the independence of
these United States; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Troy Flag Day Parade on June 11,
2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Jerry Weaver, President, Troy Flag Day Parade Committee.