Assembly Resolution No. 177

BY: M. of A. Norris

        CELEBRATING the dedication of the Town of Clarence
        Veteran's Memorial on May 31, 2021

  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  applaud  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  celebrate  the
dedication of the Town of Clarence Veteran's Memorial with a Ceremony on
Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, 2021; and

  WHEREAS,  Under  the direction of the Clarence Rotary Foundation, in
conjunction with the support and project management  from  the  Town  of
Clarence,  the Veteran's Memorial is dedicated to the millions of United
States Military Veterans who have served and  continue  to  serve  their
country; and

  WHEREAS,  The  site will be located at the Clarence Main Street Town
Park in front of the historic  Clarence  Town  Clubhouse;  the  original
memorial  design includes five granite forever stone panels to represent
each branch of the military, and the modest height of the panels  serves
to blend into the historic nature of the surrounding landscape; and

  WHEREAS, The Honor Wall Veterans will have the following information
for their listing: name, military branch and years served; and

  WHEREAS,  The  idea for the Clarence Veteran's 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 decided to create 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, 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
celebrate the dedication of the Town of Clarence Veteran's  Memorial  on
May 31, 2021; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  copies  of  this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Clarence Rotary Foundation and the Town of Clarence.