Assembly Resolution No. 515

BY: M. of A. Schmitt

HONORING Private First Class Luke Gasparre upon
the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Soldier for Life Award by the Army Week Association
on June 12, 2019

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this
country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace
in peacetime, deserve a special salute; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Private
First Class Luke Gasparre upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the Soldier for Life Award by the Army Week Association to
be celebrated at its United States Army 244th Birthday Gala on
Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at the New York Athletic Club, New York City;
and

WHEREAS, This auspicious event will also recognize the 75th
Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, the last major German offensive
campaign on the Western Front during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Luke Gasparre is a lifelong resident of Astoria, New York,
a loyal husband, and a beloved war Veteran; and

WHEREAS, Born in 1924, Luke Gasparre proudly enlisted in the United
States Army in 1943; at the young age of 18, he trained to become a
Soldier and was assigned to the ACORN Division, an infantry division
tasked with breaking through German lines; and

WHEREAS, Attaining the rank of Private First Class, Luke Gasparre
bravely fought in the Battle of the Bulge, which would become the
highest casualty operation by the end of World War II; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, during his distinguished military service,
Luke Gasparre suffered a gunshot wound to his right hand on a freezing
winter night while trying to avoid Nazi detection; and

WHEREAS, Luke Gasparre was recently awarded one of France's highest
military honors, the Legion of Honor, for the bravery and courage shown
in the face of danger and in recognition of his battle injuries; in
addition, he is the recipient of the United States Bronze Star and
Purple Heart; and

WHEREAS, In 1964, Luke Gasparre returned home to Astoria, and began
an illustrious 34-year career at the United States Postal Service; for
the next 52 years, he also worked as an usher for the New York Mets and
USTA US Open; he retired from both sports in 2018, at the age of 94; and

WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and


WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Luke Gasparre demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore, the highest respect of his State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended
and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and
for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Private First Class Luke Gasparre upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Soldier for Life Award by the Army Week
Association on June 12, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Private First Class Luke Gasparre.