Assembly Resolution No. 938

BY: M. of A. Barrett

CONGRATULATING Raymond E. Sweeney upon the
occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday

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

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Raymond E. Sweeney upon the occasion of his 100th Birthday;
and

WHEREAS, A resident of Columbia County, New York, Raymond E. Sweeney
was born on May 25, 1922, in Queens; and

WHEREAS, Raymond E. Sweeney entered active military duty on January
21st, 1943, serving in World War II as a Technician Fifth Grade with the
848th Ordinance Company in central Europe; he was awarded the
European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and
the World War II Victory Medal, and was discharged on November 20, 1945;
and

WHEREAS, Raymond E. Sweeney and the former Margaret Mullins were
united in marriage in October of 1949, and together they had four
cherished children together: Patricia R. Sweeney Baker, Daniel R.
Sweeney, Barbara H. Sweeney Fassett, and Susan M. Sweeney Burke; they
also have two adored grandchildren: Alison Wesolowski and Justin Burke;
and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Raymond E.
Sweeney returned home to his family in Queens and served with FDNY until
his retirement in 1976; he was a member of Engine Company 31 in Lower
Manhattan for 10 years, and was appointed Chief's Aide in the 2nd
Battalion before his promotion to Lieutenant with the 12th Battalion,
spending the next 10 years in Harlem; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, he spent his final decade of service with
Engine Company 288 in Maspeth, Queens, and has been admiringly quoted in
saying "this is the greatest career anyone could want" in regard to his
service with the Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, Raymond E. Sweeney, with his zest for life, has inspired
and enhanced the lives of his family and friends; 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, Raymond E. Sweeney, has enriched the lives of those around
him through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the
vibrant charm and infinite 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
amazing 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 Raymond E. Sweeney upon the occasion of celebrating his
100th Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Raymond E. Sweeney.