Senate Resolution No. 1471

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING William J. Falk of Clinton, New
York, upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th
Birthday on August 20, 2023

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 William J. Falk upon the occasion of his 100th Birthday
which was celebrated at Twin Ponds Country Club in New York Mills, New
York; and

WHEREAS, William J. Falk, one of four sons, was born on August 20,
1923, to parents, Norbert and Margaret, in Utica, New York; and

WHEREAS, During World War II, William J. "Bill" Falk served in the
United States Army Signal Corps, 593rd Signal Aircraft Warning
Battalion, in the European Theater of Operations (ETO); the Signal
Aircraft Warning (SAW) Battalions were among the first in the United
States Army to use RADAR in the war, providing tactical support to air
command units that directed the Allies' fighters to their targets and
bolstering front-line infantry; and

WHEREAS, The 593rd Battalion landed in Naples, Italy, in March 1944,
providing support for the post-Anzio-related operations as well as the
Rome-Arno Campaign with the United States Fifth Army; later reassigned
to the Seventh Army/VI (Sixth) Army Corps, William J. Falk, along with
the battalion, landed on the beaches of France, marched across the
country in November 1944, as part of the Allied countries' forces that
resisted the German Ardennes Offensive, and later recaptured Strasbourg,
France; and

WHEREAS, William J. Falk's brothers also fought for the freedom of
the world; the eldest, Sam, served in the United States Army in Alaska;
Howard joined the Navy, serving in the Pacific fleet; Jack, the
youngest, served in General George S. Patton's 89th Division;
fortunately, all four siblings returned home; and

WHEREAS, With Germany's surrender in May 1945, William J. Falk
remained in Europe, preparing for his assignment to the Pacific; after
almost three years in the European Theater, he finally returned home due
to the surrender of Japan; and

WHEREAS, On September 6, 1947, William J. Falk married Lucille; the
couple were blessed with two daughters, Janice Pezdek and Martha Devine,

both of Clinton, New York; and three sons, Peter of Massachusetts,
Stephen of Brownville, New York, and Eric of California; and

WHEREAS, William J. Falk was predeceased by Lucille on September 4,
2015; and

WHEREAS, With his zest for life, William J. Falk has inspired and
enriched the lives of his family and friends through the profound charm
and wisdom which come only from a fullness of years; this exceptional
centenarian 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, More than 70 members of his family gathered for a surprise
celebration of William J. Falk and his 100 years as an inspiration to
all who know and love him; after a nine-hole round of golf, he was met
by bagpiper, Jack Heins, of Syracuse; serenade singers; and Diane Zdan,
of Honor Flight Syracuse, who presented the World War II veteran with a
certificate of honor from Congress as well as a flag that flew over the
United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, As Americans, we honor William J. Falk, as well as all the
individuals who sacrificially served our country, preserving its
freedom, given to us by our founding fathers, and the hope that future
generations will remember that gift provided by those who gave
everything; 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 William J. Falk upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th
Birthday on August 20, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to William J. Falk.