LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Corpo-
ral Allan F. Kivlehan Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association

WHEREAS, Thousands of military personnel from the great State of New
York have served their country faithfully and courageously, with dedi-
cation and sacrifice, and are due the praise and just recognition of
this Legislative Body for their role in the defense of our Nation's
liberty and freedom; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 25th
Anniversary of the Corporal Allan F. Kivlehan Chapter of the Korean War
Veterans Association; and
WHEREAS, In June of 1990, two Korean War Veterans, Edward Grygier and
Frank Flynn, attended a National Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA)
reunion in Washington, D.C., which memorialized the 40th Anniversary of
the start of the Korean War on June 25, 1950; after attending this
auspicious event, the two men decided to start a KWVA on Staten Island,
New York; and
WHEREAS, The first meeting of the Corporal Allan F. Kivlehan Chapter
of the Korean War Veterans Association, named after a soldier from
Staten Island who was killed in Korea while in captivity, was held in
1990, and was attended by 16 charter members, including Charles Aloi,
Joseph Calabria, Elmo Cassio, John Cornell, Bill Doran, Frank Flynn, Tim
Foley, Tony Franco, Bill Fromm, Art Gaughran, Aaron Gerwitz, Ed Grygier,
Richie McNeil, Bill O'Brien, F. Schiano, and Larry Shaver; and
WHEREAS, Between 1990-1999, membership of the Corporal Allan F. Kivle-
han Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association grew from 16 to 250
members, making it one of the largest chapters in the KWVA; and
WHEREAS, The Corporal Allan F. Kivlehan Chapter of the Korean War
Veterans Association was instrumental in establishing a Korean War
heroes' parade which marched down Broadway to the dedication of New York
City's Korean War Monument in Battery Park on June 25, 1991, the 41st
Anniversary of the start of the Korean War; today, the chapter continues
to host services at this Memorial every June; and
WHEREAS, Another important goal of the Corporal Allan F. Kivlehan
Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association was to help fund a memo-
rial in Washington, D.C., giving recognition to all the "forgotten"
soldiers from the Korean War; due to the efforts of the American Korean
War Veterans the National Korean War Memorial was dedicated in Washing-
ton, D.C. in 1995; and
WHEREAS, On May 18, 1996, the Corporal Allan F. Kivlehan Chapter of
the Korean War Veterans Association erected their own Korean War Veter-
ans Memorial on Staten Island; it was dedicated to the 35 residents who
were killed in Korea during the hostilities there between 1950-1953, as
well as to all those who served in the armed services during this peri-
od; in addition, this remarkable chapter was responsible for renaming
the Richmond Parkway to the Korean War Veterans Parkway; and
WHEREAS, Through the participation of the Corporal Allan F. Kivlehan
Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association, the Department of New
York, KWVA was formed, representing 12 chapters throughout the State of
New York; founding member Ed Grygier served as its Vice President, and
now holds the esteemed position of National Director of the National
KWVA; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of President Joe Calabria, the
Corporal Allan F. Kivlehan Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Associ-
ation participates in Veterans' Day events in Manhattan, as well as
every parade and Veterans Memorial service on Staten Island; in addi-

tion, the Chapter hosts a dinner dance in the spring, a picnic in the
summer, and a social get together during the holidays; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the members of the Corporal Allan F. Kivlehan
Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association contribute to numerous
community projects and have made monetary donations to many causes and
organizations, such as both the Korean Community Churches and Schools;
and
WHEREAS, To further honor his ultimate sacrifice, the new PS 6 school
and a park in New Dorp Beach was named in memory of Corporal Allan
F. Kivlehan; and
WHEREAS, Members of the Corporal Allan F. Kivlehan Chapter of the
Korean War Veterans Association travel to local schools and educate
students about the Korean War and the sacrifices the soldiers made for
freedom in a far away land; and
WHEREAS, Often called the "Forgotten War" and the "Forgotten Veter-
ans," due to the Korean War's inconclusive ending and its chronological
place in history, between World War II and the 10-year Vietnam War,
Korean War Veterans and the families of those who died or are missing,
have faithfully endeavored to help the citizens of this great State and
Nation in their understanding of, and appreciation for, the courage,
commitment and sacrifices made by America's servicemen and women; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, acting on behalf of
the citizens of the Empire State, to honor, with great respect and
reverent esteem, the members of the Armed Services who served their
State and Nation so valiantly and honorably in the defense of freedom
and democracy during the Korean War; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Corporal Allan F. Kivlehan Chap-
ter of the Korean War Veterans Association, and to renew its tribute to
the men and women of the State of New York who served so faithfully and
courageously; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to President Joe Calabria, Corporal Allan F. Kivlehan Chapter of
the Korean War Veterans Association.