Assembly Resolution No. 520

BY: M. of A. Barclay

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the VFW
Auxiliary Department of New York on April 30, 2025

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor milestone events of significance which exemplify dedication to
community service and the enduring values of patriotism and civic
engagement; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the VFW Auxiliary Department of New
York; and

WHEREAS, Established on April 30, 1925, the VFW Auxiliary Department
of New York has spent a century proudly serving our nation's veterans,
advocating for their rights, and ensuring they receive the benefits and
recognition they so rightfully deserve; and

WHEREAS, With a membership exceeding 18,000 and growing, the VFW
Auxiliary is actively engaged across the State of New York, making a
lasting impact through educational initiatives, scholarship programs,
and vital community services; and

WHEREAS, The Auxiliary's contributions to youth education include
support for the Voice of Democracy and Patriots' Pen essay contests, the
3D Patriotic Art and Patriotic Art scholarship competitions, and
Continuing Education scholarships for members, their spouses, and
children; and

WHEREAS, The VFW Auxiliary Department of New York also champions
causes such as cancer grants for members, veterans and family support
services, hospital volunteerism, and various charitable efforts which
uplift communities statewide; and

WHEREAS, Committed to advocacy, the Auxiliary engages in federal
efforts in coordination with the National VFW 2025 Priority Goals,
playing a crucial role in landmark legislative achievements such as the
passage of the PACT Act through direct outreach to members of Congress;
and

WHEREAS, The objectives of the VFW Auxiliary Department of New York
remain as vital today as they were at its founding: to be fraternal,
patriotic, historical, charitable, and educational; to support the
Veterans of Foreign Wars and their members; to maintain fidelity to the
Constitution and the laws of the United States; and to uphold the
principles of freedom, equal rights, and justice for all; and

WHEREAS, As the VFW Auxiliary Department of New York enters its
second century of service, it stands as a shining example of civic
pride, volunteerism, and unwavering devotion to those who have served in
our nation's armed forces; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the VFW Auxiliary Department of New
York on April 30, 2025, and to express its heartfelt appreciation for a
century of extraordinary service to veterans, their families, and the
communities of New York State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the VFW Auxiliary Department of New York.