Senate Resolution No. 359

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Burton Jones upon the occasion of
celebrating his 100th 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate
Burton Jones upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday; due to
the pandemic, the residents of Utica honored this valiant veteran with a
Birthday Car Parade at Masonic Care Community on Monday, February 1,
2021; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of this momentous occasion, local veterans,
police officers, firefighters and sheriff's deputies proudly drove by
the residence of Burton Jones as he proudly watched out his window; he
was also delighted to receive more than 100 birthday cards from the
local community and military members across the country; and

WHEREAS, Burton Jones, with his zest for life, has inspired and
enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and

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 community members who dedicate
their lives and careers to the service of others; Burton Jones is one
such individual; and

WHEREAS, Burton Jones was born on February 1, 1921, in Whitesboro,
New York, to Arthur and Mary (Briggs) Jones; he graduated from
Whitesboro High School on June 26, 1939; and

WHEREAS, On August 24, 1942, Burton Jones was ordered to report for
his pre-induction physical to begin his basic training; due to his
extraordinary mechanical ability and work experience in a garage and the
Savage Arms Company, this talented man was transferred to the United
States Army Air Corps where he began training as an armorer, and would
later be trained as an aircraft mechanic; and

WHEREAS, A fighter pilot for the 457th Airwing out of Fort Worth,
Texas, Burton Jones courageously served his country as Crew Chief at Iwo
Jima; 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, Burton Jones 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 Burton Jones upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th
Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Burton Jones.