Senate Resolution No. 5771

BY: Senator AVELLA

COMMENDING Bob Harris upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the
highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Bob Harris
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal,
the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State
Senate; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Soon after Bob Harris and his wife moved to Queens, he
quickly became an active and important part of his community; he joined
several local organizations, including Community Board 8 and West
Cunningham Park Civic Association and spent decades working diligently
to protect the quality of life in his neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, First a member of the United Civic Council (UCC), which was
an umbrella organization for a group of 30 civic associations in Queens,
Bob Harris eventually served as its President; and

WHEREAS, In 1997, Bob Harris was instrumental in the formation of
the Queens Civic Congress, Inc., an organization which consisted of 100
civic groups; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, Bob Harris gave of his own time and
resources to protect his community, spearheading a neighborhood watch;
and

WHEREAS, For decades, Bob Harris has worked tirelessly on myriad
issues concerning education, clean communities and creating safer and
healthier neighborhoods; thereby immeasurably contributing to the
betterment of his community; and

WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his
community, Bob Harris was honored by Community Board 8 for his 20 years
of service; and

WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; Bob Harris is
one such individual; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of such high standards,
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
commend Bob Harris upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Bob Harris.