Senate Resolution No. 3285

BY: Senator AKSHAR

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the Richard
J. Hoyt Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 478 of
Binghamton, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend and
support the purposeful cause of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of
the United States of America, recognizing its long and sustained
commitment to the principles of democracy and freedom so revered by this
State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Richard J. Hoyt Veterans of
Foreign Wars Post No. 478 of Binghamton, New York, celebrated on Sunday,
July 12, 2020; and

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in recognizing
those remarkable individuals who have served the United States of
America through military service with honor, integrity, and courage, as
well as those organizations which foster comradery among United States
veterans of overseas conflicts, advocating for all veterans to ensure
they are respected for their service and receive the entitlements and
recognition for their sacrifices; and

WHEREAS, The oldest VFW post in Broome County, New York, the Richard
J. Hoyt VFW was formed in 1920 by a group of veterans who had served in
various conflicts, including the Spanish American War, the Philippine
Insurrection, and the First World War; and

WHEREAS, The Post is named for Private Richard J. Hoyt, Company H,
107th Infantry, 27th Division, United States Army, who gave his life in
the battle that broke the infamous "Hindenberg Line" and was one of the
first World War I casualties from the Binghamton, New York area; and

WHEREAS, In its early years, members of Richard J. Hoyt VFW Post No.
478 met at the Old State Armory in Binghamton before purchasing the
Windemere Hotel in 1924, the Post returned to the Armory, and in 1936,
the members purchased a home on Carroll Street in Binghamton and
repurposed it as a building for the Post; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, a two-story structure was built at the rear
of the Carroll Street property that contained a hall, and the original
home was demolished to create a parking lot; on January 23, 2016, the
Carroll Street building suffered a fire and the Post members made the
decision to relocate to the present site on Court Street which opened in
mid-December of that year; and

WHEREAS, Today, Richard J. Hoyt VFW Post No. 478 has 211 active
members, all of whom are dedicated to the VFW's mission to serve members
of the United States Armed Forces, veterans, and their families; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend the
devoted leadership of the Post's outstanding Commanders, both present

and past, and the absolute commitment of its many proud members, noting
the role played by this exceptional organization and recognizing the
significance of the contributions and sacrifices of the membership of
the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 478 of Binghamton, New York; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Richard J. Hoyt Veterans of
Foreign Wars Post No. 478 of Binghamton, New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
Richard J. Hoyt Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 478 of Binghamton, New
York.