LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the Waterv-
liet Elks Lodge No. 1500

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is also the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
and pay tribute to fraternal organizations of high purpose and worthy
accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the
citizens of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the tradition of this State and this Nation to pay
tribute to those institutions and individuals who have contributed to
the ethical and spiritual values of their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 90th Anniversary of the Watervliet Elks Lodge No. 1500; and
WHEREAS, The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) is one of
the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the United States;
established in 1928, the Elks National Foundation is the charitable arm
of the BPOE; over the years, the Foundation has contributed millions
toward Elks' charitable projects nationwide; and
WHEREAS, The Elk organization was founded in New York City on February
16, 1868, under the name "Jolly Corks" by 15 actors, entertainers, and
others associated with the theater; in ensuing years, membership
expanded to other professions; and
WHEREAS, Its mission is to inculcate the principles of Charity,
Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to
promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members; to quicken
the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to
perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its
government, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United
States of America will serve the people and communities through benevo-
lent programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share; and
WHEREAS, The Order spends a significant amount every year for benevo-
lent, educational and patriotic community-minded programs in such fields
as benefiting physically handicapped children, sponsoring Elks National
Foundation scholarships, scouting, athletic teams, veterans' works, a
national "Hoop Shoot" free-throw contest involving more than three
million children, physical and occupational therapy programs and patri-
otic programs; and
WHEREAS, The youth of our country have always been important to the
Order; for this reason the Elks Drug Awareness Education Program was
launched to warn primary grade students and their parents of the dangers
in drug use; and
WHEREAS, In addition, every lodge observes June 14th annually as Flag
Day, a tradition which the Elks began in 1907, and was later adopted by
the Congress as an official observance; and
WHEREAS, Organizations of singular distinction such as Watervliet Elks
Lodge No. 1500, of Watervliet, New York, merit the grateful praise of
the community and of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when organ-
izations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the Watervliet Elks Lodge No. 1500;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Watervliet Elks Lodge No. 1500.