LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Barthel upon
the occasion of celebrating their 70th Wedding Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to celebrate impres-
sive milestones achieved by couples who reside within this great Empire
State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Barthel upon the occasion of celebrating their
70th Wedding Anniversary on Tuesday, January 25, 2011; in 1941, the
couple was married in The Little Church Around the Corner, New York, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Knowing each other almost all of their lives, 93 year-old
Alvin and 95 year-old Ruthene grew up together in Upstate New York and
have been side by side through all of their lives' endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Alvin Barthel enlisted in the United States military during
World War II; near the end of the war, he was sent to Japan as part of
the occupation; at the same time, Ruthene was also doing her part as an
American; she joined the workforce and was proud to be a part of the
Rosie the Riveters generation; and
WHEREAS, The following year, Alvin, who was still in Japan, sent for
his bride; Ruthene excitedly packed up the house in Merrick and went to
join him; the Barthels lived abroad for 18 months, experiencing the joy
of the birth of their only child, their wonderful daughter, Nancy Jo;
and
WHEREAS, Alvin and Ruthene Barthel then returned to Merrick, New York,
to the comfort of their friends and family members to raise their daugh-
ter and enjoy their life together; Alvin established his own business
and Ruthene devotedly served as his secretary; and
WHEREAS, Alvin Barthel, affectionately known as Bart, and his devoted
wife, Ruthene Barthel, lovingly known as Tot, are pillars in their
community; they have been instrumental in creating and cultivating
several Kiwanis events as well as other occasions within the community
of Merrick, their happy home, for almost three quarters of a century;
and
WHEREAS, Alvin and Ruthene Barthel are and always have been a tower of
strength, support, understanding and limitless love for their family;
and
WHEREAS, Their love, devotion, caring, sensitivity and responsiveness
to their family, friends and all who know them are their hallmark and
tradition; and
WHEREAS, Alvin and Ruthene Barthel have lived and continue to live
their lives with great dignity and genuine grace, always demonstrating a
deep and continuing concern for human values and ideals, and in so
doing, they have inspired others to do the same; and
WHEREAS, This meaningful occasion is the result of the love, hard work
and spirit this couple has invested in their marriage; and
WHEREAS, These same values they have passed to their loved ones,
producing a family that is close-knit and supportive of its individual
members, public-minded in its relations to the community and committed
to the ideals of citizenship upon which this Nation was founded; and
WHEREAS, Alvin and Ruthene Barthel have touched the lives of their
family and many friends through the shining example of their marriage,
which is a testament to the devotion and admiration which they possess
for one another; and
WHEREAS, The longevity of this enduring marriage truly marks a mile-
stone in life's journey, an event of personal triumph and joy; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when an occa-
sion of such importance is brought to our attention, the same should be
memorialized by us for the edification and emulation of others; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Barthel upon the occasion of celebrating
their 70th Wedding Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Barthel, Merrick, New York.