LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the rededication of the Spirit of
the American Doughboy statue in the Town of Castile, New York, on June
14, 2014

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York who
have served valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's
freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peace-
time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is, furthermore, the sense of this Legislative Body to
commend the efforts of those communities that seek to restore and main-
tain historical monuments within the State of New York, and in so doing,
help to ensure that the complete story of our State and nation is
preserved and shared with present and future generations of citizens;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concerns, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the rededication of the Spirit of the American Doughboy statue in
the Town of Castile, New York; a tremendous celebration will be held on
Saturday, June 14, 2014, beginning with a military parade, and including
music, distinguished speakers, and food; and
WHEREAS, On May 31, 1926, the Town of Castile dedicated a Spirit of
the American Doughboy statue to honor the memory of soldiers who fought
in World War I; and
WHEREAS, Designed by American sculptor E.M. Viquesney, the Spirit of
the American Doughboy is a pressed copper sculpture that depicts a
"doughboy," an informal term for a member of the United States Army or
Marine Corps, walking through shattered tree stumps stung with barbed
wire, his rifle in his left hand, and his left hand held high above his
head clutching a hand grenade; and
WHEREAS, The Spirit of the American Doughboy statue design was the
most popular memorial of its kind, and the Town of Castile, New York,
was one of many communities throughout the United States to have
purchased and erected this affecting monument during the 1920s and
1930s; the Smithsonian American Art Museum currently lists 159
locations; and
WHEREAS, The patriotic citizens of the Town of Castile, New York,
particularly the Castile Historical Society and the Wallace Jeffers
American Legion Post, have worked assiduously for more than two and a
half years to raise the needed funds for the restoration and preserva-
tion of this historic treasure; and
WHEREAS, The Spirit of the American Doughboy statue serves as a
fitting tribute to the men and women who have so courageously served in
our armed forces in an effort to protect and preserve the cherished
values of our nation; 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, as well as 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 their nation;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the rededication of the Spirit of the American Doughboy
statue in the Town of Castile, New York, on June 14, 2014; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Town of Castile, New York.