Senate Resolution No. 2178

BY: Senator O'MARA

COMMEMORATING the 125th Anniversary of the
Kanestio Valley Chapter of the National Society
Daughters of the American Revolution

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in this Nation, and the
great State of New York, is reflective of the purposeful lives and good
works of those patriotic and civic-minded organizations and community
members who dedicate their lives to the service of others; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
125th Anniversary of the Kanestio Valley Chapter of the National Society
Daughters of the American Revolution; and

WHEREAS, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a non-profit,
non-political volunteer women's service organization dedicated to
promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing
America's future through better education for children; and

WHEREAS, This vital organization's members volunteer millions of
service hours annually in their local communities including supporting
active duty military personnel and assisting veteran patients, awarding
thousands of dollars in scholarships and financial aid each year to
students, and supporting schools for underserved children; and

WHEREAS, As one of the most inclusive genealogical societies in the
country, DAR boasts 190,000 members in 3,000 chapters across the United
States and internationally; any woman 18 years or older, regardless of
race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from
a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for membership; and

WHEREAS, The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
was formed in 1890 and incorporated by an Act of Congress in 1896 just
one year before the Kanestio Valley Chapter was formed; and

WHEREAS, New York State Chapter 1-081 of Kanestio Valley was
organized on November 11, 1897, and was awarded Charter No. 401 by the
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution on April 19, 1898;
it was organized by 20 ladies from the Canisteo/Hornell area, who are
named on the original Charter; and

WHEREAS, The Organizing Regent for the chapter was Harriett (Benton)
Mc Connell who for six years hosted these meetings in her home; and

WHEREAS, The Kanestio Valley Chapter supports numerous local
schools, including St. Ann's School in Hornell, which it provides with
art supplies, patriotic items and books; furthermore, the nationally
known "Good Citizen Contest" is offered to surrounding area high school
seniors, and a monetary award is given to the winner who exhibits the
qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism in their
homes, school and communities; and

WHEREAS, This vital organization has also donated and distributed
more than 1,000 small flags the last three years; and


WHEREAS, In service to their community and upholding the legacies of
veterans from their community, the Kanestio Valley Chapter has placed
bronze grave markers on numerous graves throughout the community to
perpetuate the memory of Revolutionary War soldiers buried in Steuben
County; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the Kanestio Valley Chapter of the
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Kanestio Chapter of the National Society Daughters of
the American Revolution.