LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Edward K. Peisker VFW Post 5348, Deer
Park, New York upon the occasion of the celebration of its 65th Anniver-
sary on January 22, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend and support
the purposeful cause of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States of America (VFW), recognizing its long and sustained commitment
to the principles of democracy and freedom so revered by this State and
nation; and
WHEREAS, In keeping with time-honored traditions, it is the intent of
this Legislative Body to recognize the just purpose and good works of
Edward K. Peisker VFW Post 5348, Deer Park, New York, upon the occasion
of its 65th Anniversary, to be celebrated with a gala 65th Anniversary
Dinner Dance to be held at the Post on Saturday, January 22, 2011; 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, More than six decades ago a small group of veterans gathered
and decided to organize a Deer Park Post of the VFW; on January 26, 1946
Edward K. Peisker VFW Post 5348 was chartered by the national organiza-
tion and a few weeks later, on February 11, 1946, a companion organiza-
tion, the Deer Park Veterans' Association, Inc. was incorporated to
acquire and maintain a home for the Post; and
WHEREAS, Shortly thereafter the Association purchased the former
Beck's Tavern on Long Island Avenue which, though the building has
undergone several expansions and renovations, it continues to be the
home of Edward K. Peisker VFW Post 5348 and the focal point of many Deer
Park and Suffolk County activities; and
WHEREAS, On March 6, 1992 an early morning fire caused severe damage
to the hall; thanks to the quick response and outstanding containment
efforts of the Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department total destruction was
averted and, on January 23, 1993, the building was rededicated; and
WHEREAS, Over the years the Post has hosted the community's annual
Dahlia Ball; many Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department Installation
Dinners, Boy Scout Meetings, Little League Registrations and Awards
Dinners; more weddings, christenings, anniversary and birthday parties
than can be counted and, of course, the Post's own famous St. Patrick's
Day, New Years Eve and Anniversary Dances; and
WHEREAS, In addition, during the area's building boom of the late
1950's and early 1960's, when Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
could no longer accommodate its growing numbers, Edward K. Peisker VFW
Post 5348 welcomed its parishioners and made its hall available for
Sunday Masses; and
WHEREAS, Post 5348 and its members have always been active in many
veterans' and community affairs; the Post has organized and led the
community's Memorial Day Parade since 1946 and, in conjunction with that
important remembrance, its members also conduct their annual Buddy Poppy
Drive to assist area veterans in need and place an American flag on each
Pinelawn National Cemetery grave; and
WHEREAS, Edward K. Peisker Post members, in addition, visit the Veter-
ans Administration Hospital in Northport every month, arrange annual
Halloween and Christmas parties at the hospital and annually visit the
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery; and

WHEREAS, They also sponsor youth sports, participate in the communi-
ty's various parades and tree lighting ceremonies as well as the Veter-
ans' Outreach food drives and the United States Marine Corps' Toys for
Tots program; and
WHEREAS, Edward K. Peisker VFW Post 5348 is most proud to have, or
have had, members who have served in every branch of the United States
Armed Forces and in each of our nation's conflicts from the Spanish-Am-
erican War to, and beyond, Desert Storm; and
WHEREAS, Edward K. Peisker VFW Post 5348 has faithfully served the
Deer Park community and its veterans over the past 65 years, dedicating
its purpose to the preservation of the values and principles of this
great republic; and
WHEREAS, The 65th Anniversary of the founding of Edward K. Peisker VFW
Post 5348 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 Deer Park community;
and
WHEREAS, Edward K. Peisker VFW Post 5348 is a noble post, accomplish-
ing its mission and performing its good deeds in a spirit of comradeship
true to the highest traditions of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; and
WHEREAS, Mindful of its proud and honored history, Edward K. Peisker
VFW Post 5348 may celebrate with just pride and true honor, its 65th
Anniversary of service to its community and the needs and causes of
veterans across New York State and the nation; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
devoted leadership of Edward K. Peisker VFW Post 5348's Post Commanders,
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 Edward K. Peisker VFW Post 5348 upon the occasion of the cele-
bration of its 65th Anniversary on January 22, 2011, fully confident
that the quality and character of life in the Empire State remains rich-
ly endowed and resolutely defended through such organizations of just
cause and good purpose; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Edward K. Peisker VFW Post 5348, Deer Park, New York.