Senate Resolution No. 1744

BY: Senator RATH

HONORING Clarence Rotary Club Foundation upon the
occasion of its designation as recipient of the
Special Recognition Award by the Clarence Chamber of
Commerce on March 3, 2022

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in acknowledging
outstanding organizations which distinguish themselves in serving the
community and its residents, and which warrant special recognition; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Clarence Rotary Club Foundation upon the occasion of its designation as
recipient of the Special Recognition Award by the Clarence Chamber of
Commerce, to be celebrated at its 49th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday,
March 3, 2022, at Samuel's Grande Manor in Clarence, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Clarence Rotary Club Foundation is receiving this
prestigious award for designing and installing a Veterans' Memorial at
the Clarence Main Street Town Park which was dedicated on Memorial Day,
May 31, 2021, to the millions of United States Military Veterans who
have served and continue to serve their country; and

WHEREAS, The original memorial design includes five granite forever
stone panels to represent each branch of the military; the Veterans'
Honor Wall will have the following information for their listing: name,
military branch and years served; and

WHEREAS, As of today, over 550 Veterans are recognized on the Honor
Walls and thousands of people have paid respect to those who sacrificed
their lives for our freedom; veteran names will be continually added to
the Memorial every spring and fall; and

WHEREAS, The idea for the Clarence Veterans' Memorial started soon
after the recent loss of Captain Andrew D. Byers, a long-time Clarence
resident, honor student and star athlete; after graduating from the
United States Military Academy in 2008, and serving over eight years
with several overseas trips with the United States Armed Forces, Captain
Byers was killed in action in Afghanistan, while performing rescue
efforts to save his platoon from enemy fire in November of 2016; and

WHEREAS, After his funeral services, Captain Andrew D. Byers' twin
sister, Lauren, commented how there was no place to go to honor and
remember the names of the soldiers of Clarence, New York; henceforth,
the Clarence Rotary Foundation took action and created a permanent
gathering place where individuals can pay tribute to Clarence residents,
relatives, friends, and fellow Americans for their tremendous sacrifices
made for our Nation and for the benefit of all of its citizens; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be recognized and applauded by all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Clarence Rotary Club Foundation upon the occasion of its
designation as recipient of the Special Recognition Award by the
Clarence Chamber of Commerce on March 3, 2022; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Clarence Rotary Club Foundation.