LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
U.S. Ramapo Valley Post 2973, Suffern, New York, upon the occasion of
its 75th Anniversary on September 12, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend and support
the purposeful cause of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the United
States of America, recognizing its long and sustained commitment to the
principles of democracy and freedom so revered by this State and Nation;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to recog-
nize the just purpose and good works of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of
the U.S. Ramapo Valley Post 2973, Suffern, New York, upon the occasion
of its 75th Anniversary to be celebrated at a dinner dance on Saturday,
September 12, 2009, at the Sheraton Mahwah Hotel; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1899 by veterans of the Spanish American War,
returning first from Cuba and later from the Philippines, the Veterans
of Foreign Wars has, for more than 100 years, been dedicated to serving
America's veterans and their families; to preserving freedom, democracy,
and the American way of life; and to maintaining a strong national
defense; and
WHEREAS, Members of the VFW must be honorably discharged members of
the United States Armed Services or be on active duty; they must have
served in a time of war or conflict and have the appropriate campaign
medal; and
WHEREAS, The Ramapo Valley Post 2973 has a noble past, accomplishing
its mission and performing its good deeds in a spirit of comradeship
true to the highest traditions of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States of America; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of its Commander, Charles J.
Calotta, Ramapo Valley Post 2973 celebrates, with just pride and true
honor, its 75th Anniversary of service to its community and the needs
and values of veterans across the State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, The 75th Anniversary of the founding of Veterans of Foreign
Wars Post 2973 is a time to pause and reflect on the events it conducts
in reverent tribute to the men and women who served their country in
defense of its ideals of democracy and freedom, on the many contrib-
utions rendered to community organizations and educational programs, and
on its continuing efforts to serve veterans and the Suffern community;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
devoted leadership of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2973's Post Comman-
ders, past and present, and the absolute commitment of its many proud
members, noting the role played by this exceptional organization and
recognizing the significance of the contributions and sacrifices of its
membership; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. Ramapo Valley Post
2973, Suffern, New York, upon the occasion of its 75th Anniversary,
fully confident that the quality and character of life in the Empire
State remains richly endowed and resolutely defended through such organ-
izations of just cause and good purpose; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Charles J. Calotta, Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars of
the U. S. Ramapo Valley Post 2973, 16 Ramapo Avenue, Suffern, New York.