Senate Resolution No. 1036

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING The Parkway Center upon the occasion of
celebrating Vietnam Veterans Day with the Public
Pinning Ceremony on March 29, 2017

WHEREAS, Members of the United States Armed Forces, who served so
faithfully and courageously in wars in which our Nation's freedom was at
stake, as well as in the preservation of peace during peacetime, deserve
the highest commendation of this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend the
organizations who honor those who have served in times of active
conflict, as well as those who have served in times of peace; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend The
Parkway Center upon the occasion of celebrating Vietnam Veterans Day
with the Public Pinning Ceremony on Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at the
Central New York Veterans' Outreach Center in Utica, New York; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious event is open to veterans of all services,
soldiers currently in active duty, National Guard and Reserve members,
veteran organizations as well as the families of our American heroes and
the community at large; and

WHEREAS, The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act empowered the
Secretary of Defense to conduct a program on behalf of the Nation which
commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, forming the United
States of America Vietnam War Commemoration; and

WHEREAS, From Memorial Day 2012 through Veterans Day 2025, the
Commemoration thanks and honors veterans of the Vietnam War, including
personnel who were held as prisoners of war, or listed as missing in
action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States
and to thank and honor the families of these veterans; to highlight the
service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions
of Federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations
that served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces; to pay tribute to
the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United
States during the Vietnam War and to highlight the advances of
technology, science, and medicine related to military research conducted
during the Vietnam War and to recognize the contributions and sacrifices
made by the alliances of the United States during the Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, During the period of the Vietnam War, nine million
Americans served on active duty in the United States Armed Forces,
approximately seven million of whom are still living today; and

WHEREAS, To reach every veteran, the Commemoration has enlisted the
assistance of many thousands of Commemorative Partner organizations at
the local, state and national levels to conduct hometown-centric events
and activities to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families in
their local communities; 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 Nation; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend The Parkway Center upon the occasion of celebrating Vietnam
Veterans Day with the Public Pinning Ceremony on March 29, 2017; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Kelly Walters, Executive Director, The Parkway Center.