Senate Resolution No. 527

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Floyd James Heath upon the occasion of
his designation as Grand Marshal of the 20th Annual
Camden St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 18, 2023

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
individuals of true purpose and worthy accomplishment who work
diligently to preserve and celebrate their rich cultural heritage; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Floyd James Heath upon the occasion of his designation as Grand
Marshal of the 20th Annual Camden St. Patrick's Day Parade; and

WHEREAS, In acknowledgment of this most prestigious appointment,
Floyd James Heath will have the honor of leading the Camden St.
Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 18, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Floyd James Heath was born on November 7, 1947, to Floyd
and Frances Heath in Utica, New York; after the unexpected death of his
father, Floyd J., his mother and two brothers moved to Cleveland, New
York; and

WHEREAS, In 1966, Floyd James Heath joined the United States Army
and proudly served his country for 26 months and 6 days during the
Vietnam War; for his meritorious service, he was awarded the Bronze Good
Conduct Medal, the Bronze National Defense Service Medal, the Bronze
Vietnam Service Medal and the Bronze Republic of Vietnam Campaign
Ribbon; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Floyd James
Heath returned to New York and became a union ironworker for Local No.
60 out of Syracuse; and

WHEREAS, On September 11, 1976, Floyd James Heath married the former
Lori Smolenski, and together, they raised three sons, Jared, Nathan and
Corey in Camden, New York; today, they are also the loving grandparents
of six grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to both his fellow veterans and his community,
Floyd James Heath helped establish the Marine Corps League in Camden,
and was made an honorary life member; he is also a life member of the
VFW and American Legion Post No. 66 where he served as Commander for two
years; and

WHEREAS, Floyd James Heath has worked tirelessly to not only promote
Irish culture but to establish strong ties between America and the
island of Ireland; and

WHEREAS, A fitting choice for Grand Marshal for the Camden St.
Patrick's Day Parade, Floyd James Heath embodies the spirit and the
cherished ideals and values of Irish-Americans of this great State and
Nation; he is a steadfast champion of all things Irish and Irish
American; and


WHEREAS, A St. Patrick's Day Parade reflects and records the ongoing
history of the United States and Ireland, and provides an opportunity
for people of all generations to assemble in ethnic pride and pageantry;
and

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

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Floyd James Heath upon the occasion of his designation as Grand
Marshal of the 20th Annual Camden St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 18,
2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Floyd James Heath.