Honor Nicholas Durr Parade Marshal

Senate Resolution No. 2791 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING Nicholas Durr upon the occasion of his designation as Grand Marshal of the 2020 Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to individuals of true purpose and worthy accomplishment who work diligently to preserve and celebrate their rich cultural heritage; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Nicholas Durr upon the occasion of his designation as Grand Marshal of the 2020 Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade; and WHEREAS, In acknowledgment of this most prestigious appointment, Nicholas Durr will have the honor of leading the Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 14, 2020; and WHEREAS, The City of Utica's St. Patrick's Day Parade was started approximately 32 years ago by Johnnie Oakes and a small group of Irishmen who walked down Varick Street; at that time, the parade consisted of one band and a few vehicles, honoring Saint Patrick, the patron Saint of the Archdiocese of New York and Ireland; and WHEREAS, The true embodiment of the values we celebrate on St. Patrick's Day, Nicholas Durr is a person of integrity, with a dedication to his Irish heritage, and a sincere devotion to his God and community; and WHEREAS, Nicholas Durr has held many offices in the Ancient Order of Hibemians (AOH), including the AOH District 3 Director, and has also served as a mentor to many of its members; and WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, Nicholas Durr has coordinated Mass Committees for the local AOH which put on the Irish Mass at the Great American Irish Festival each year, a service which has donated countless dollars to local food pantries; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, he is the former Vice-President and current President of Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick; 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, A fitting choice for Grand Marshal for The City of Utica's St. Patrick's Day Parade, Nicholas Durr embodies the spirit and the cherished ideals and values of Irish-Americans of this great State and Nation; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Nicholas Durr upon the occasion of his designation as Grand Marshal of the 2020 Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Nicholas Durr.