LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Reverend William Walter for his cease-
less dedication to his community on May 19, 2015

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those individuals of true purpose and worthy accomplishment who foster
community pride and strive to preserve their cultural heritage, thereby
enhancing the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric
of community throughout this Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Reverend William Walter for his ceaseless dedication to his community on
Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at the Union Springs American Legion; and
WHEREAS, Reverend William Walter has been called upon to contribute
his time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has
always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Born January 16, 1924 in the area of South Otselic, New York,
Reverend William Walter graduated from high school in 1943, before
honorably serving in the United States Army during the Second World War;
and
WHEREAS, During this time, on June 6, 1944, Reverend William Walter
participated in the Normandy invasion of Europe as part of "Omaha Red,"
traveling from the shores of Normandy to the city of Berlin; and
WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his valiant military service, Reverend
William Walter was called to the Methodist Church; he graduated from
Lycoming College in 1952, and received his Masters of Sacred Theology
from Duke University in 1956; and
WHEREAS, Reverend William Walter began his illustrious career in 1963
when he joined the Otselic Valley Masonic Lodge No. 659 in Cincinnatus,
New York, and has been active in Masonry ever since; he was appointed
Grand Chaplain of the renowned Grand Masonic Lodge of New York in 1995;
and
WHEREAS, In addition, the same year, Reverend William Walter was
appointed Chairman of the Custodians of the Work; in this capacity he
served as one of only seven men to oversee all of the Masonic ritual;
today, this esteemed man serves both important positions as an Emeritus
member; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Reverend William Walter has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 60 years, Carolyn,
and their six children, Carolyn, Nelson, David, Jonathan, Helen and
Anna, as well as their 14 grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to
be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Reverend William Walter has
displayed throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Reverend William Walter for his ceaseless dedication to his commu-
nity on May 19, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reverend William Walter.