Senate Resolution No. 1353

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Stanley Potrzeba upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the Military
Order of the Purple Heart CNY Chapter No. 490 and
Utica Elks Lodge No. 33 on June 14, 2023

WHEREAS, 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, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Stanley Potrzeba upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Military Order of the Purple Heart CNY Chapter No.
490 and Utica Elks Lodge No. 33 during a Flag Day Celebration on
Wednesday, June 14, 2023; and

WHEREAS, During this auspicious occasion, 101-year-old Stanley
Potrzeba of New York Mills, New York, will receive the American Flag
which was flown over the U.S. Capitol in recognition of his valiant
service as a member of the United States Navy during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Born in Massachusetts in 1922, Stanley Potrzeba and his
family moved to New York Mills in 1925; and

WHEREAS, Stanley Potrzeba was known as a "Jack-of-all-trades,"
having worked as a Glazer, Tool Maker, Corduroy Cutter and Steam Fitter;
and

WHEREAS, In addition to serving his country as a member of the
United States Navy from 1944-46, Stanley Potrzeba worked at an Army Air
Corp base as a fire/crash rescue member; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to local
veterans, Stanley Potrzeba was a founding member and Commander of the
Polish Legion of American Veterans, Edward Bator Post No. 21; he was
also an active member of the New Hartford Post American Legion and
Whitestown Overseas Veterans Association; 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, 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 risked their
lives for their beloved Nation; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Stanley Potrzeba demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore the highest respect of his 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 their Nation;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Stanley Potrzeba upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Military Order of the Purple Heart CNY Chapter No.
490 and Utica Elks Lodge No. 33 on June 14, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Stanley Potrzeba.