Senate Resolution No. 1034

BY: Senator KAPLAN

CONGRATULATING Sam Lukas upon the occasion of
celebrating his 103rd Birthday

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their
past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and
valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Sam Lukas upon the occasion of his 103rd Birthday; and

WHEREAS, On Saturday, May 29, 2021, family, friends and well-wishers
paid tribute to Sam Lukas' long life with a drive-by parade; several
veteran's organization, the Westbury Fire Department, Nassau County
police and the Rolling Thunder motorcycle group flashed lights and
honked horns as they drove past his Westbury home; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Sam Lukas was later presented with a citation
from the Nassau County Clerks office in recognition of his war service,
good citizenry, and dedication to his friends, family and country; and

WHEREAS, Born on May 30, 1918, Sam Lukas was one of five children
who grew up in the Maspeth section of Queens, New York; and

WHEREAS, Upon his completion of high school, Sam Lukas proudly
served his country as a member of the United States Army during World
War II, becoming a sergeant in the 828th Signal Pigeon Replacement
Company; his unit trained carrier pigeons to send valuable
communications and messages to U.S. troops during the war; and

WHEREAS, After more than a century of life, Sam Lukas has seen
everything from the Great Depression, to wars in Korea and Vietnam, to
the construction of the Chrysler Building; and

WHEREAS, A truly kind soul, hard worker and devoted family man, Sam
Lukas never holds a grudge and looks at life optimistically, no matter
the situation; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, the late Marie, with him
throughout have been his two children, as well as his loving grandson,
all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished man has experienced the incredible joys
and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina
and courage to savor a full life; and

WHEREAS, Sam Lukas has enriched the lives of those around him
through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent
charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have
witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and
awesome achievements of this country during the last century, while
themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Sam Lukas upon the occasion of celebrating his 103rd
Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Sam Lukas.