LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 30th Annual Celebration of the
Rome, New York, Honor America Days, July 26 through mid-August, 2013

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is also the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate
significant events in our unique New York State history; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 30th Annual Celebration of the Rome, New York, Honor America
Days; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated by multiple events to
be held from July 26 through mid-August 2013; and
WHEREAS, The proud home of the Fort Stanwix National Monument and the
Erie Canal, Rome, New York, held its first Honor America Days Cele-
bration on August 10-11, 1984; and
WHEREAS, The first Honor America Days Celebration was held in conjunc-
tion with the City of Rome's annual Fort Stanwix Days, traditionally
held August 1-3, to recognize the siege of the Fort Stanwix on August 3,
1777; and
WHEREAS, The City of Rome, New York, is the home of the former Grif-
fiss Air Force Base; it wanted to present an event which would honor our
military and veterans as well as become an annual source of pride for
the community; and
WHEREAS, From 1985 to present, the Honor America Days Celebration in
Rome, New York, officially begins on the last weekend in July and ends
in the middle of August; there are numerous events held throughout this
period of time including ice cream socials, church suppers, chicken
bar-b-q, children's events and much more; and
WHEREAS, The two biggest events to grow out of the original cele-
bration of the Honor America Days Celebration are the annual parade,
which attracts entertainment from as far as Albany to the east and
Rochester to the west, along with local marching bands and many, many
floats created by community groups; and
WHEREAS, The second signature event of the Honor America Days Cele-
bration is the concert on the lawn of Fort Stanwix National Monument
presented by the musicians of the Syracuse Symphony now known as Sympho-
ria; and
WHEREAS, In recent years, two other events have been added to the
Honor America Days Celebration by outside groups and have become quite
successful: the Rome Rotary Club stages a Canal Fest held on the banks
of the Erie Canal; and the East Rome Memories group presents an Italian
picnic at Pinti Field following the parade; and
WHEREAS, The 2013 Honor America Days Celebration will feature several
innovative changes and improvements, including: a nine by 12 foot Jumbo-
tron screen provided by Entertainment Services; the Rome Free Academy
and Westmoreland High School marching bands participation in the parade;
and at least a dozen more groups encompassing many different genres of
music along with an entire division of the Ziyara Shriners featuring
clowns and motorcycles; and
WHEREAS, The Rome, New York, Honor America Days Celebration has grown
into one of the largest festivals held annually in the region and enjoys
tremendous private sector support to fund the many events; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the 30th Annual Cele-
bration of the Rome, New York, Honor America Days; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when events and
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments, and historic
significance, are brought to our attention, they should be recognized
and applauded by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 30th Annual Celebration of the Rome, New York, Honor
America Days; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Rome, New York, Honor America Days Committee.