LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the World War II veterans of Amityville,
New York upon the occasion of being named Grand Marshals of the
Village's 2015 Independence Day Parade

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's
freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peace-
time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as to those who
have served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the World War
II veterans of Amityville, New York upon the occasion of being named
Grand Marshals of the Village's 2015 Independence Day Parade on Satur-
day, July 4, 2015; the theme of this year's parade is "The Greatest
Generation"; and
WHEREAS, The 2015 Grand Marshals include Amityville World War II
veterans: Wilbur Sterling, Pat C. Cammaroto, Lou Howard, William T.
Lauder, Charles Woodman, Albert D'Andrea, Daniel Noble, Emil DiPaola,
Thomas Greene, Jr., Elijah McKelvin, Owen E. Brooks, Joseph Washenko,
George D. Johnson, Ms. Audrey L. Whitaker, James E. Stephens, Robert L.
Serling, and Fred Watson; and
WHEREAS, World War II started on September 1, 1939, with the invasion
of Poland and lasted six years, ending with the bombings of Hiroshima
and Nagasaki on V-J Day in August of 1945; and
WHEREAS, May 8, 2015 marks the 70th Anniversary of Victory in Europe
Day, or V-E Day; on this date in 1945, Germany signed the terms of
surrender in what historians have referred to as the deadliest conflict
in human history; and
WHEREAS, The name "Greatest Generation" is a term first used by Tom
Brokaw in his book of the same name to describe the men and women who
both endured the Great Depression and successfully fought against tyran-
ny and oppression during World War II; and
WHEREAS, A distinguished grouping of Americans who changed the face of
world history, these men and women have been described as a people
united by a common purpose, but also the common values of duty, honor,
economy, courage, service, love of family and country and, above all,
responsibility for oneself; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and
thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for
their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation; and
WHEREAS, The Amityville World War II veterans are a fitting choice as
Grand Marshals of the Village's 2015 Independence Day Parade, for they
embody the spirit and the cherished ideals and values of this great
State and Nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the World War II veterans of Amityville, New York upon the occa-
sion of being named Grand Marshals of the Village's 2015 Independence
Day Parade; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Amityville Independence Day Parade Committee, and the
aforementioned Grand Marshals.