Senate Resolution No. 2239

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

COMMEMORATING the 40th Anniversary of the Melvin
Roads Squadron No. 1231 Sons of The American Legion
on June 3, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
patriotic organizations and individuals who devote themselves to the
welfare of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Melvin Roads Squadron No. 1231
Sons of The American Legion to be celebrated at a picnic on Saturday,
June 3, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Established on September 12-15, 1932, Sons of The American
Legion is a patriotic service organization made up of male descendants
of people who served in the United States Armed Forces during times
specified by the American Legion; and

WHEREAS, After the closing of the original Melvin Roads Squadron No.
1231 Sons of The American Legion in the 1960s, members of the American
Legion decided to recruit their sons and reactivate the squadron in
1977; approximately 30 people were listed on the Charter; and

WHEREAS, Elections were held, and Billy Fisher was elected
Commander, Kevin Harrington, was selected as First Vice Commander, and
Tony Rossello was named Second Vice Commander; once the other officer
positions were filled, they approved a constitution and bylaws and
opened a bank account; and

WHEREAS, In 1979 and 1980, Kevin Harrington served as Commander, and
Tony Rossello held this position in 1981 and 1982; a short time after
the Squadron's reactivating, Tom Thibault and Paul Rossello joined this
vital organization; both men held several leadership positions
throughout the years; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 40 year history, the Melvin Roads
Squadron No. 1231 Sons of The American Legion has demonstrated
continuous service to the residents and communities which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The Squadron assisted the American Legion Post by placing
flags at the graves of veterans for Memorial Day, and proudly marching
alongside them in the parade; and

WHEREAS, In addition, the members of the Squadron attended many
Veterans Day, birthday, Installation and State Officer Visitation
Dinners and other projects; they also raised funds through various
activities including spaghetti dinners, pancake breakfasts, annual ham
raffles, trivial pursuit contests, and Halloween parties, as well as
dances with live music; and

WHEREAS, The Squadron also supported numerous worthy activities and
organizations such as the American Legion Boys State, Camp Good Days and
Special Times, the Albany VA, AT Disease Foundation, American Legion
Child Welfare Foundation, Fischer House, and other state commander
projects; the men donated a six foot projector screen television and
equipment for the Post, and clothes for homeless veterans; and

WHEREAS, Since about 1980, several members have represented the
Squadron at the county, district, state and national levels of the Sons
and state American Legion Press Association; one man serves on the
National ALPA; and

WHEREAS, The Melvin Roads Squadron No. 1231 Sons of The American
Legion has awarded honorary life membership to six members and an
honorary squadron mom, Anne Harrington, for their many years of valuable
service to the organization; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the Squadron has made special presentations to
recognize its longtime advisor, Ernest Hotaling, who was the longest
serving squadron advisor in the nation with 35 years when he passed away
in 2012, at the age of 90; and

WHEREAS, Currently, the Squadron is under the luminous leadership of
Commander, Kevin Harrington; Adjutant, Paul Rossello; Vice Commanders,
Dominic Indelicato and Jack Cain; Treasurer, William Baker who also
serves as the Sons' Third District Commander and Vice President of its
Riders Chapter; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Melvin Roads Squadron No. 1231 Sons of
The American Legion is in direct correlation to the efforts of its
members, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an
impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising
standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization
and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Melvin Roads Squadron No. 1231 Sons of The
American Legion continues its dedication to fostering the traditions of
patriotism, excellence, and commitment which have made our nation
strong; it is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the
significance of their contributions and to note their worthy endeavors
which 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
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Melvin Roads Squadron No. 1231
Sons of The American Legion, and to commend its members, past and
present, on behalf of a grateful community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Kevin Harrington, Commander, Melvin Roads Squadron No.
1231 Sons of The American Legion.