Senate Resolution No. 391

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Colleen Kain Martin upon the occasion
of her designation as Grand Marshal of the 2023
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 Colleen Kain Martin upon the occasion of her designation as
Grand Marshal of the 2023 Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade; and

WHEREAS, In acknowledgment of this most prestigious appointment,
Colleen Kain Martin will have the honor of leading the Utica St.
Patrick's Day Parade on Friday, March 3, 2023; and

WHEREAS, The tradition of the Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade is
steeped in 200 years of history, with John C. Devereux leading the first
march down the Historic Brewery and Arts District of Utica; today, the
Utica Parade draws around 30,000 spectators, as over 5,000 marchers from
across the state step off from Oneida Square and head north to Genesee
Street; and

WHEREAS, The committee for this year's Utica, New York, St.
Patrick's Day Parade designated Colleen Kain Martin as the highly
esteemed Grand Marshal in recognition of her devotion and passion for
the preservation and celebration of Irish culture in her community; and

WHEREAS, A long time contributor to the Irish community, Colleen
Kain Martin is the past Vice President and current member of the Ladies
Ancient Order of Hibernians, a Provincial Delegate of Cornhaltas
Ceoltoiri Eireann, and local branch secretary of Craobh Dugan O'Looney;
and

WHEREAS, In addition, Colleen Kain Martin helped plan the annual
Great American Irish Festival for many years and has also served as a
longtime special events coordinator for the Utica St. Patrick's Day
Parade; and

WHEREAS, Active in her community, this year's Grand Marshal, Colleen
Kain Martin, is a member of the Irish Cultural Center Program
Development Committee, a charter member of the HARP museum, Chair of the
annual ICC banquet and awards event, and is a member of the Network of
Irish Cultural Centers of North America; and

WHEREAS, Committee officials with the Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade
say that after making the parade possible and enjoyable for so many
years, it is Colleen Kain Martin's turn to lead the parade, wielding the
coveted shillelagh; 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 Colleen Kain Martin upon the occasion of her designation as
Grand Marshal of the 2023 Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Colleen Kain Martin.