Honor Mike Donovan Parade

Senate Resolution No. 1040 BY: Senator GOLDEN COMMEMORATING the 8th Annual Gerritsen St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 18, 2017, and honoring Mike Donovan upon the occasion of his designation as Irishman of the Year WHEREAS, St. Patrick's Day is a time to celebrate the rich heritage of the Irish people, unlimited in their contribution to this State and Nation; and WHEREAS, A St. Patrick's Day Parade reflects and records the ongoing history of the United States and Ireland and provides an opportunity for people of all generations to assemble in ethnic pride and pageantry; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 8th Annual Gerritsen Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 18, 2017, and honoring Mike Donovan upon the occasion of his designation as Irishman of the Year, to be held in Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, At the young age of eight, Mike Donovan began his marching career with the Frank L. Duffy Post American Legion Band with his father; he learned to play the snare drum and later the bass drum; in addition to the American Legion Band, he played drums in his high school orchestral band; and WHEREAS, Mike Donovan, along with his brothers were drummers and instructors for Mac's Marauders Marching Band sponsored by the VFW Argonne Marine Park Post No. 107; and WHEREAS, With the help of his mother, father, Uncle Artie and cousins, Mac's Marauders Marching Band received numerous awards and accolades under the luminous leadership of Mike Donovan; and WHEREAS, Mike Donovan then joined the New York State Court Officers Pipes and Drums where he played the snare drum and bass drum; in 1981, he played his first St. Patrick's Day Parade down 5th Avenue; and WHEREAS, In 1995, Mike Donovan joined the Knights of Columbus Council No. 126 Pipes and Drums, where he brought in more drummers to the band from three generations of his family; and WHEREAS, For over 22 years with the Knights of Columbus Band, Mike Donovan has been a great influence for the many who have learned to play, read and write Irish Snare Drum Music; and WHEREAS, Although Mike Donovan can no longer march with the rest of the band, he is an exceptional inspiration to the band members as well as an enthusiastic mentor to the band's drummers; and WHEREAS, The St. Patrick's Day Parade celebrates the spirit, purity and strength of the Irish culture and its fine traditions; and WHEREAS, Through this heartfelt and compassionate expression, as well as through their sustained commitment to the cultural vitality of their Irish heritage, the Irish-American people of Kings County and the State of New York bear witness to the deep faith and love of humanity which is their rich tradition; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 8th Annual Gerritsen Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade on