Assembly Resolution No. 44

BY: M. of A. Norris

COMMEMORATING the Town of Clarence Veteran's
Memorial, and paying just tribute to local veterans
who made the ultimate sacrifice for this great State
and Nation

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, 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 justly proud to commemorate the
Town of Clarence Veteran's Memorial, and to pay just tribute to local
veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for this great State and
Nation; and

WHEREAS, The Town of Clarence Veteran's Memorial was officially
dedicated on Memorial Day, May 31, 2021, and is dedicated to the
millions of United States Military Veterans who have served and continue
to serve our country; and

WHEREAS, Overseen and provided by the Clarence Rotary Foundation, in
conjunction with the support and project management from the Town of
Clarence, the site is located at the Clarence Main Street Town Park in
front of the historic Clarence Town Clubhouse; and

WHEREAS, A memorial fountain, with names of Clarence residents
killed in action, is at the center of the site, with five surrounding
granite walls that include nearly 500 Veterans honoring their service to
our country; and

WHEREAS, The modest height of the panels serves to blend into the
historic nature of the surrounding landscape; enduring materials were
chosen for the memorial, with granite forever stone ensuring the
preservation of this vital tribute; and

WHEREAS, The pursuit for creating the Clarence Veteran's Memorial
began after the loss of Captain Andrew D. Byers, a longtime Clarence
resident, honor student and star athlete; and

WHEREAS, 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, During this time, Captain 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; subsequently, the Clarence Rotary

Foundation took immediate action and created a permanent gathering place
where tribute can be paid to Clarence residents, relatives, friends, and
fellow Americans who served; 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 brave men and women demonstrated their love for their country and
merit 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
commemorate the Town of Clarence Veteran's Memorial, and to pay just
tribute to local veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for this great
State and Nation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Clarence Rotary Foundation.