Assembly Resolution No. 568

BY: M. of A. Manktelow

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the James
R. Hickey American Legion Post 120 of Palmyra, New
York

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 those
patriotic 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
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the James R. Hickey American Legion
Post 120 of Palmyra, New York; and

WHEREAS, The James R. Hickey American Legion Post 120's history can
be traced to the beginning of the American Legion, when a group of 20
officers who served in the American Expeditionary Forces (A.E.F.) in
France in World War I had an idea; spurred on by Lieutenant Colonel
Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., they proposed an organization of veterans; and

WHEREAS, In February of 1919, this group formed a temporary
committee and selected several hundred officers who had the confidence
and respect of the whole army; the first organization meeting took place
in Paris in March of 1919, when about 1,000 officers and enlisted men
attended, including a representative from Palmyra, Dr. C.C. Nesbitt; and

WHEREAS, The American Legion is a community service organization
consisting of men and women representing nearly 15,000 American Legion
Posts worldwide; these posts are organized into 55 Departments, one for
each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico and
the Philippines; Local Post 120 was also founded in 1919; and

WHEREAS, James R. Hickey was the first Palmyra man to be killed in
action in World War I, during a battle in the Vale Sector, France, on
August 23, 1918; another native son, Charles Beck was killed in action
while Nelson Harmon and George Smith are reported to have died of
pneumonia; and

WHEREAS, The American Legion Post of Palmyra changed its name from
Rear Admiral Sampson Post to James R. Hickey Post in July of 1921;
apparently, when the young veterans met to organize, they used Admiral
Sampson as a temporary name since he was Palmyra's most famous son of
modern time, the "Hero of Manila Bay" from the Spanish American War; and

WHEREAS, In March of 1926, James R. Hickey's body was returned to
Palmyra, and was buried with full military honors by the James R. Hickey
American Legion Post; and

WHEREAS, The James R. Hickey Post Family consists of three separate
memberships: The Post (men and women veterans), Auxiliary Unit 120,
founded in the 1920s, (wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters, etc.) and

the Sons of the American Legion (sons, grandsons, etc.), was established
many years later; and

WHEREAS, The focus of the efforts of the James R. Hickey Post 120
Family are to ensure the Four Pillars of the American Legion: Veterans
Affairs and Rehabilitation, Nation Security, Americanism and Children
and Youth, are always guiding their actions within the community; and

WHEREAS, Members of the American Legion assist their fellow veterans
at VA hospitals and clinics, organize various commemorative events, and
support numerous issues on behalf of interests of veterans and service
members, including benefits such as pensions and the Veterans Health
Administration; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Commander David Borland,
American Legion Post 120 hosts various events and charities aiding
veterans and families with the best care possible; and

WHEREAS, The success of American Legion Post 120 is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its members, whose involvement is, and
always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled
enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all
endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, Today, American Legion Post 120 continues its dedication to
fostering the traditions of patriotism, excellence, and commitment which
have made our nation strong; it is the custom of this Legislative Body
to recognize the significance of their contributions and to note their
worthy endeavors which have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the James R. Hickey American Legion
Post 120 of Palmyra, New York, and to commend its members, past and
present, on behalf of a grateful community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to David Borland, James R. Hickey American Legion Post 120.