Honor 77th Infantry Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 849 BY: Senator AVELLA COMMENDING the 77th Infantry Division Reserve Officers Association, Inc. upon the occasion of celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Division's founding on August 18, 2017 WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved with great respect and reverent esteem to pay tribute to the men and women who so courageously and heroically serve and have served in the Armed Forces of the United States; and WHEREAS, Members and former 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the 77th Infantry Division Reserve Officers Association, Inc. upon the occasion of celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Division's founding on Friday, August 18, 2017; and WHEREAS, Throughout the year, a myriad of events and ceremonies will be held to recognize not only the 100th Anniversary of the organization of the 77th, but also the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the 77th Infantry Division Reserve Officers Association, Inc. which was organized as a New York not-for-profit corporation for the purposes of perpetuating the history and traditions of the 77th Infantry Division and promoting social ties among its members and veterans on April 7,

1917; and WHEREAS, The 77th Infantry Division famously fought with valor in both World War I and World War II, as well as in later conflicts; and WHEREAS, From the beginning, Soldiers of the 77th Infantry Division have worn the Statue of Liberty Patch, and it became a symbol, recognized worldwide, of the particular contributions of New Yorkers to the security of our country and its allies; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1957, the 77th Infantry Division Reserve Officers Association was instrumental in renaming the Clearview Expressway in Queens County to the U.S. Army 77th Infantry Division Expressway in 2002, to honor the rich heritage of the Division and its successor commands; and WHEREAS, It is the hope of the Association to add images of the historic Statue of Liberty Patch to the four road signs on the U.S. Army 77th Infantry Division Expressway; and WHEREAS, The dedication and sacrifices of our military personnel ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of democracy, and is a defender of liberty for peoples throughout the world; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is very pleased to have this opportunity to express its gratitude to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces for their tremendous sacrifices made for our Nation and for the benefit of all Americans; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend the 77th Infantry Division Reserve Officers Association, Inc. upon the occasion of celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Division's founding on August 18, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Colonel Louis Sudholz, Jr., President, 77th Infantry Division Reserve Officers Association, Inc.