LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending legendary track announcer James J.
Moran upon the occasion of his retirement after 50 years of distin-
guished service to Vernon Downs

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves
through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives
of service to their community and their profession; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
legendary track announcer James J. Moran upon the occasion of his
retirement after 50 years of distinguished service to Vernon Downs; and
WHEREAS, Announcer Emeritus Moran, a member of the Communicators Hall
of Fame, will call his final race at Vernon Downs to kick off the Open-
ing Night program on Friday, April 11, 2014; this auspicious evening,
capping a 50-year legacy of James J. Moran's describing the races at
Vernon, will be a celebration of what he brought to the Central New York
track, with a poster giveaway, tributes, and a meet-and-greet throughout
the card; and
WHEREAS, The Hall of Fame voice first started working at Vernon Downs
in 1962 when he took a job as Clerk of Course; he soon became the
Assistant Race Secretary and began calling races part time; and
WHEREAS, In 1964, James J. Moran took over the full-time racecalling
job from his uncle and mentor, Bud Hebert; and
WHEREAS, In addition, James J. Moran served as Director of Publicity
and Public Relations, as well as coordinated the track's marketing
activities; and
WHEREAS, Through more than 75,000 races, James J. Moran has called the
most memorable races at Vernon Downs and has witnessed some of the
sport's legendary horses including Bret Hanover, Niatross and Deweychea-
tumnhowe; and
WHEREAS, James J. Moran was also privileged to make the call when
Vernon native Brian Sears steered My Little Dragon and broke the track
record, pacing the first ever sub-1.50 mile in the long and storied
history of Vernon Downs; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his esteemed career, each race began with his
synonymous phrase, "Heeeere they come!"; and
WHEREAS, James J. Moran is a 2010 inductee to the Harness Racing Hall
of Fame's Communicator's Corner, and a 2003 inductee to the Greater
Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his dedication, commitment and efforts on
behalf of his community and his profession, it is the sense of this
Legislative Body to extend its highest commendation to James J. Moran;
and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend legendary track announcer James J. Moran upon the occasion of
his retirement after 50 years of distinguished service to Vernon Downs,
and to wish him the best in all his future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to James J. Moran.