Senate Resolution No. 1040

BY: Senator GOLDEN

COMMEMORATING the 8th Annual Gerritsen St.
Patrick's Day Parade on March 18, 2017, and honoring
Mike Donovan upon the occasion of his designation as
Irishman of the Year

WHEREAS, St. Patrick's Day is a time to celebrate the rich heritage
of the Irish people, unlimited in their contribution to this State and
Nation; and

WHEREAS, A St. Patrick's Day Parade reflects and records the ongoing
history of the United States and Ireland and provides an opportunity for
people of all generations to assemble in ethnic pride and pageantry; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
8th Annual Gerritsen Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 18, 2017,
and honoring Mike Donovan upon the occasion of his designation as
Irishman of the Year, to be held in Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, At the young age of eight, Mike Donovan began his marching
career with the Frank L. Duffy Post American Legion Band with his
father; he learned to play the snare drum and later the bass drum; in
addition to the American Legion Band, he played drums in his high school
orchestral band; and

WHEREAS, Mike Donovan, along with his brothers were drummers and
instructors for Mac's Marauders Marching Band sponsored by the VFW
Argonne Marine Park Post No. 107; and

WHEREAS, With the help of his mother, father, Uncle Artie and
cousins, Mac's Marauders Marching Band received numerous awards and
accolades under the luminous leadership of Mike Donovan; and

WHEREAS, Mike Donovan then joined the New York State Court Officers
Pipes and Drums where he played the snare drum and bass drum; in 1981,
he played his first St. Patrick's Day Parade down 5th Avenue; and

WHEREAS, In 1995, Mike Donovan joined the Knights of Columbus
Council No. 126 Pipes and Drums, where he brought in more drummers to
the band from three generations of his family; and

WHEREAS, For over 22 years with the Knights of Columbus Band, Mike
Donovan has been a great influence for the many who have learned to
play, read and write Irish Snare Drum Music; and

WHEREAS, Although Mike Donovan can no longer march with the rest of
the band, he is an exceptional inspiration to the band members as well
as an enthusiastic mentor to the band's drummers; and

WHEREAS, The St. Patrick's Day Parade celebrates the spirit, purity
and strength of the Irish culture and its fine traditions; and

WHEREAS, Through this heartfelt and compassionate expression, as
well as through their sustained commitment to the cultural vitality of

their Irish heritage, the Irish-American people of Kings County and the
State of New York bear witness to the deep faith and love of humanity
which is their rich tradition; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 8th Annual Gerritsen Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade on
March 18, 2017, and honoring Mike Donovan upon the occasion of his
designation as Irishman of the Year; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mike Donovan.