LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the arrival of the Vietnam Traveling
Memorial Wall to Boonville, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend events which symbolize the historical, social and cultural
development of this great State and embody the spirit of the principles
upon which this Nation was founded; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to celebrate
the arrival of the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to Boonville, New
York; and
WHEREAS, The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall arrived in Boonville,
escorted by numerous benevolent motorcycle groups including Legion
riders and the riders of the Patriot Guard, a vital organization which
ensures dignity and respect at memorial services honoring fallen mili-
tary heroes, first responders and honorably discharged veterans; and
WHEREAS, This momentous occasion will be recognized at the 25th Anni-
versary Celebration of the Vietnam Vets Get-Together of Boonville,
commencing on Friday, June 19, 2015, with the flag raising and formal
opening ceremonies; and
WHEREAS, Our entire community is grateful to the Harland J. Hennessey
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5538 for honoring Vietnam veterans for the
past 25 years and providing these honorable men and women the recogni-
tion they have earned which was often denied them during their service
years; and
WHEREAS, During this auspicious event, visitors are invited to trace
the name of their loved one on the wall; pavilions, tents, benches and
other displays will also be available, culminating with closing ceremo-
nies on Sunday, June 21, 2015; and
WHEREAS, In addition, a ceremony will be held to honor Colonel Ken
Martin, United States Marines Corps, Retired and Owner of the Lodging
Kit Company in Boonville, New York; he will be presented with an award
by his sons, both former Captains in the USMC; and
WHEREAS, The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is a 3/5 scale of the
Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC, standing six feet tall at the center
and covering nearly 300 feet from end to end; and
WHEREAS, This Traveling Memorial stands as a reminder of the great
sacrifices made during the Vietnam War and was made for the purpose of
healing, rekindling friendships, and allowing people the opportunity to
visit loved ones in their home town who otherwise may not be able to
make the trip to Washington; and
WHEREAS, Recently, the New York State Assembly and Senate passed bill
A. 6101/S. 4283, sponsored by Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney, that would
allow the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) to be recognized as a benev-
olent order; this bill will help honor and recognize the service and
sacrifices made by veterans of the Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, The banner of freedom will always wave over our beloved New
York and all of America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave;
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, This Legislative Body, is moved with great respect and rever-
ent esteem, and, on behalf of all of the citizens of the Empire State,
to renew its tribute to the men and women of New York State who so cour-

ageously served their State and Nation during the Vietnam War in defense
of freedom and democracy; and
WHEREAS, Through its avowed commitment to those who served in the
cause of America's freedom, the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall does so
unselfishly advance that spirit of united purpose and shared concern
which is the unalterable manifestation of our American experience; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the arrival of the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to Boon-
ville, New York, at the final Annual Celebration of the Vietnam Vets
Get-Together of Boonville; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Harland J. Hennessey Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5538,
Boonville, New York.