Senate Resolution No. 2791

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Nicholas Durr upon the occasion of his
designation as Grand Marshal of the 2020 Utica St.
Patrick's Day Parade

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
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
commend Nicholas Durr upon the occasion of his designation as Grand
Marshal of the 2020 Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade; and

WHEREAS, In acknowledgment of this most prestigious appointment,
Nicholas Durr will have the honor of leading the Utica St. Patrick's Day
Parade on Saturday, March 14, 2020; and

WHEREAS, The City of Utica's St. Patrick's Day Parade was started
approximately 32 years ago by Johnnie Oakes and a small group of
Irishmen who walked down Varick Street; at that time, the parade
consisted of one band and a few vehicles, honoring Saint Patrick, the
patron Saint of the Archdiocese of New York and Ireland; and

WHEREAS, The true embodiment of the values we celebrate on St.
Patrick's Day, Nicholas Durr is a person of integrity, with a dedication
to his Irish heritage, and a sincere devotion to his God and community;
and

WHEREAS, Nicholas Durr has held many offices in the Ancient Order of
Hibemians (AOH), including the AOH District 3 Director, and has also
served as a mentor to many of its members; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, Nicholas Durr has
coordinated Mass Committees for the local AOH which put on the Irish
Mass at the Great American Irish Festival each year, a service which has
donated countless dollars to local food pantries; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, he is the former Vice-President and current
President of Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick; 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 City of Utica's
St. Patrick's Day Parade, Nicholas Durr embodies the spirit and the
cherished ideals and values of Irish-Americans of this great State and
Nation; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our

attention, 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
commend Nicholas Durr upon the occasion of his designation as Grand
Marshal of the 2020 Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Nicholas Durr.