LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Matthew Goldsmith upon the occa-
sion of receiving the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout, the most pres-
tigious of Scouting honors, on May 15, 2016

WHEREAS, Matthew Goldsmith, through his diligence and rigorous efforts,
has achieved Scouting's highest and most prestigious rank, Eagle Scout;
the Eagle Court of Honor ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 15, 2016,
at the Lomala Civic Center in Hopewell Junction, New York; and
WHEREAS, Matthew Goldsmith is a member of Boy Scouts of America Troop
86, Fishkill, New York; and
WHEREAS, As a Senior attending John Jay High School in East Fishkill,
New York, Matthew Goldsmith is the Captain of the track team where he
was named to the All County Team for the past three years; in addition,
in 2015, he qualified to compete in high jump in the New York State
Championships; and
WHEREAS, Matthew Goldsmith is an active member of the Hopewell
Reformed Church Youth Group and volunteers in various church ministries;
in the Fall, he plans to select a college where he can pursue a degree
in Criminal Justice; and
WHEREAS, America has achieved her greatest heights of glory through
the dedication, determination and tireless efforts of the outstanding
citizens of this Nation; and
WHEREAS, It is only with the continued diligence and devotion of our
youth, tomorrow's leaders, that America will maintain her glory; and
WHEREAS, The Boy Scouts of America and its members are dedicated to
the development of character and leadership in the youth of this Nation;
and
WHEREAS, The highest achievement of leadership in Scouting, earned by
only five percent of all Boy Scouts, is the distinguished rank of Eagle
Scout; and
WHEREAS, This outstanding young man has been involved in Scouting for
many years, has lived up to Scouting's ideals and has attained all of
the necessary achievements, including completion of a community service
project, which was successfully planned, developed and executed; and
WHEREAS, For his project, Matthew Goldsmith rehabilitated and beauti-
fied the Major Daniel M. Martz Memorial in Wappinger, New York; and
WHEREAS, Major Martz, a resident of Dutchess County, was the first
casualty of the Vietnam War, and in recent years, the memorial had
become overlooked and did not properly represent the magnitude of the
sacrifice of the Martz family; and
WHEREAS, Matthew Goldsmith's project included painting the flagpole,
installing solar lighting on the American flag, installing paver steps
as well as a border around the monument; today, there is a renewed
interest in the memorial which is befitting to an American hero; and
WHEREAS, Matthew Goldsmith's perseverance in rising through the ranks
to Eagle Scout is a strong indication of his ability to master difficult
tasks; his accomplishment will enable him to emerge as a leader, fully
equipped to meet the challenges of today's complex society; and
WHEREAS, This new Eagle Scout is a credit to his family, his school,
his community, his State and his Nation, and no doubt his future will be
filled with accomplishments of equal importance; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations, in
recognition of the significance of this meritorious achievement, to
congratulate and honor Matthew Goldsmith on achieving the rank of Eagle
Scout; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Matthew Goldsmith.