Honor Vietnam Veterans Ceremony

Senate Resolution No. 4206 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING The Parkway Center upon the occasion of celebrating Vietnam Veterans Day with the Public Pinning Ceremony on March 29, 2018 WHEREAS, Members of the United States Armed Forces, who served so faithfully and courageously in wars in which our Nation's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace during peacetime, deserve the highest commendation of this Legislative Body; and WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend the organizations who honor those who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have served in times of peace; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend The Parkway Center upon the occasion of celebrating Vietnam Veterans Day with the Public Pinning Ceremony on Thursday, March 29, 2018, at the Center; in addition, a special presentation will be held to honor a Gold Star Family whose son/brother, Joseph Keith Wheeler PFC, USMC, was KIA on March 31, 1968; and WHEREAS, This auspicious event is open to veterans of all services, soldiers currently in active duty, National Guard and Reserve members, veteran organizations as well as the families of our American heroes and the community at large; and WHEREAS, The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act empowered the Secretary of Defense to conduct a program on behalf of the Nation which commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, forming the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration; and WHEREAS, From Memorial Day 2012 through Veterans Day 2025, the Commemoration thanks and honors veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war, or listed as missing in action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans; to highlight the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of Federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces; and to pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War and to highlight the advances of technology, science, and medicine related to military research conducted during the Vietnam War and to recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the alliances of the United States during the Vietnam War; and WHEREAS, During the period of the Vietnam War, nine million Americans served on active duty in the United States Armed Forces, approximately seven million of whom are still living today; and WHEREAS, To reach every veteran, the Commemoration has enlisted the assistance of many thousands of Commemorative Partner organizations at the local, state and national levels to conduct hometown-centric events and activities to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families in their local communities; and WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing in action; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad, these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit forevermore, the highest respect of their State and Nation; and WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for their dedication to their communities, their State and Nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend The Parkway Center upon the occasion of celebrating Vietnam Veterans Day with the Public Pinning Ceremony on March 29, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Wheeler Family; and Kelly Walters, Executive Director, The Parkway Center.