The New York State Senate

J560

Senate Resolution No. 560

BY: Senator LANZA

COMMENDING the Richmond County American Legion
upon the occasion of celebrating the 100th
Anniversary of the American Legion on March 15, 2019

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this
country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace
in peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

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
commend the Richmond County American Legion upon the occasion of
celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion to be observed
at an event on Friday, March 15, 2019, at LiGreci's Staaten in Staten
Island, New York; and

WHEREAS, The American Legion Centennial Celebration is not only
about honoring the past 100 years of its history, but also preparing to
continue its legacy of service to veterans and their families; events
and activities at posts around the world will showcase the American
Legion "Still Serving America"; and

WHEREAS, On March 15, 1919, the American Legion was founded in
Paris, France, by United States World War I military personnel who were
dedicated to four pillars of service and advocacy: veterans, military
personnel, youth and patriotic values; membership is open to military
personnel and veterans who have served their nation on active duty
during wartime; and

WHEREAS, Today, the American Legion consists of 55 departments in
each of the 50 states as well as the District of Columbia, France,
Mexico, the Philippines and Puerto Rico; there are approximately 13,000
local posts worldwide; and

WHEREAS, The American Legion's current national membership is
approximately two million, and combined with the American Legion
Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion, membership in the
American Legion Family exceeds three million; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the last century, the American Legion has been
instrumental in the creation of a number of major institutions of
American society, such as the formation of the Department of Veterans
Affairs, creation of the United States Flag Code, the passage of the GI
Bill and much more; and

WHEREAS, On November 10, 1919, 100 New Yorkers attended the first
American Legion National Convention at the Minneapolis Convention

Center, making it one of the largest delegations; at this time, New York
State was comprised of 646 posts including New Brighton's James S.
Slosson Post No. 53, Port Richmond's Arthur Egbert Post No. 95, and
Stapleton's James J. Tappen Post; and

WHEREAS, From 1919-1920, A. Hunter Platt, a member of Slosson Post,
served as the American Legion of Richmond County's first County
Commander; and

WHEREAS, Most of the Staten Island American Legion Posts are named
after United States servicemen killed in action including: Cespino,
Russo, Beauvais, Hudson, Huttner, Pasqualini, Watkins, Kellett, Cichon,
Kells, Grennie, Granito, Smith, Dalessio, Tappen, Merrell and Slosson;
and

WHEREAS, James S. Slosson Post is named after Captain James S.
Slosson who was killed in action on September 27, 1918; Arthur Egbert
Post is named after Seaman 2nd class Arthur S. Egbert who perished
aboard the USS President Lincoln when it was sunk on May 31, 1918, and
James J. Tappen Post is named for Private First Class James J. Tappen
who was killed near Binarville, France, on September 28, 1918; and

WHEREAS, On January 2, 1946, an American Legion Post charter was
issued to the Post No. 1368, named after Medal of Honor recipient Joseph
F. Merrell, who single-handedly attacked German positions that were
firing on his unit; he disabled two enemy machine gun emplacements and
killed nearly two dozen German soldiers before he was himself killed;
and

WHEREAS, Richmond County has held various positions in the American
Legion Department of New York including Past Department Commanders Aldo
Benedetto (1960-1961) and Frank Peters (2014-2015); Frank LaMarsh is a
candidate for Department Commander in 2020; and

WHEREAS, The present American Legion of Richmond County leadership
team consists of Commander Anthony DeNatale, Adjutant Frank LaMarsh,
Treasurer William Magnuski, and Vice Commanders Steve Ayling, Paul
Dietrich, David Martin and Daniel Venezia who oversee the county
programs, some of which include the High School Oratorical Contest, Boys
State, and the Interfaith Memorial honoring the Four Chaplains; and

WHEREAS, Moreover, the Legion sponsors various events which commend
the outstanding youth in the community, recognizes first responders,
visits veterans in nursing homes, and honoring those who have passed on;
this vital organization also provides vital input to city, state and
national legislators on issues impacting all veterans and their
families; and

WHEREAS, Most importantly, the American Legion of Richmond County's
Posts continues to support veterans affairs and foster both patriotism
and Americanism; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Commander Anthony
DeNatale, the success of the Richmond County American Legion is in
direct correlation to the efforts of its members and volunteers, 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 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
commend the Richmond County American Legion upon the occasion of
celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion on March 15,
2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Anthony DeNatale, Commander, Richmond County American
Legion.