LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the Veter-
ans of Foreign Wars Upton Post No. 8259 of Stittville, New York, on May
21, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend and
support the purposeful cause of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of
the United States of America, recognizing its long and sustained commit-
ment to the principles of democracy and freedom so revered by this State
and Nation; 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 Anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Upton Post
No. 8259 to be celebrated on Saturday, May 21, 2016, in Stittville, New
York; and
WHEREAS, The VFW Upton Post No. 8259 was first formed in the winter of
1985, and spring of 1986, after former Utica City Court Judge Albert
Alteri held organizational meetings to form a new VFW in the area; and
WHEREAS, On April 20, 1986, 58 war veterans from around the area of
Holland Patent, New York, gathered together to become members of the VFW
Upton Memorial Post No. 8259, named in honor of Wilard Upton, a local
man who was killed in action during World War II; and
WHEREAS, The VFW Upton Post No. 8259 was officially incorporated on
December 21, 1987, with Ralph Cob serving as the first Post Commander;
its members later added a ladies and mens auxiliary, and held meetings
at different fire departments in the area while looking for a post
location; and
WHEREAS, In the spring of 1990, ground was broken and a small building
was constructed in Stittville, New York, which would become the VFW
Upton Memorial Post; over the years, numerous additions have been made
to the facility building including one made possible by a grant from New
York State; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the past three decades, the VFW Upton Post No.
8259's members have worked tirelessly on programs for local and national
veteran's causes, as well as on numerous community programs including
Toys for Tots, the Stevens Swan Humane Society, and Shriners Hospital;
and
WHEREAS, The members of the VFW Upton Post No. 8259 and its auxilia-
ries are always available to support veterans and their families in
times of need; they are a symbol of military heritage, community and
patriotism; and
WHEREAS, The occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the founding of VFW
Upton Post No. 8259 is a time to pause and reflect on the events it
conducts in reverent tribute to the men and women who served their coun-
try in defense of its ideals of democracy and freedom, on the many
contributions rendered to community organizations, and on its continuing
efforts to foster understanding of their heritage and role in society;
and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous guidance of Post Commander Dave Deno, VFW
Upton Post No. 8259 remains committed to accomplishing its mission and
performing good deeds in a spirit of comradeship true to the highest
traditions of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of Amer-
ica; and
WHEREAS, Mindful of its proud and honored history, VFW Upton Post No.
8259 celebrates with just pride and true honor, its 30th Anniversary of
service to its community and the needs and values of veterans across the
State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
devoted leadership of the Post's outstanding Commanders, both present
and past, and the absolute commitment of its many proud members, noting
the role played by this exceptional organization and recognizing the
significance of the contributions and sacrifices of the membership of
the Veterans of Foreign Wars Upton Post No. 8259; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Upton
Post No. 8259 of Stittville, New York, on May 21, 2016; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Commander Dave Deno, Veterans of Foreign Wars Upton Post No.
8259.