LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Silas
A. Wainwright Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 6338 on March 10, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend and support
the purposeful cause of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the United
States of America, recognizing its long and sustained commitment to the
principles of democracy and freedom so revered by this State and Nation;
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 70th Anniversary of the Silas A. Wainwright Veterans of
Foreign Wars (VFW) Post No. 6338 to be celebrated on Thursday, March 10,
2016, in Gouverneur, New York; and
WHEREAS, Established on March 10, 1946, Silas A. Wainwright VFW Post
No. 6338 was formed with a group of 163 charter members in Gouverneur,
all of whom had fought in wars overseas; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed veteran's organization was named in memory of
Pharmacist Mate First Class Silas A.Wainwright, who tragically lost his
life in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, becoming the first Gouvern-
eur area man to die for his country on that infamous day; and
WHEREAS, After a charter was approved, the members of Silas A. Wain-
wright VFW Post No. 6338 elected Edwin Tupper as their first Post
Commander, and meetings were held above the former Sunshine Store on
Main Street in the village; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to honoring those brave members of the armed forces
who had died in World War II, the Silas A. Wainwright VFW Post No. 6338,
in conjunction with the American Legion, gave each fallen soldier full
military honors at funeral services and interments; and
WHEREAS, The Silas A. Wainwright VFW Post No. 6338 Auxiliary was
organized in 1947, and the first slate of officers was installed as the
organization continued to grow and prosper; and
WHEREAS, On February 1, 1957, the Silas A. Wainwright VFW Post No.
6338 purchased a building which had once been operated as a hotel by an
uncle of Silas A. Wainwright; this building was heavily damaged by a
fire, and construction started on what is now the group's current
location on 100 West Main Street; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the members of the Silas A. Wainwright VFW
Post No. 6338 have always been available to offer support to veterans
and their families in times of need; they have also been a constant
symbol of our military heritage and patriotism; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Silas A. Wainwright VFW Post No. 6338 continues to
accomplish its mission and perform good deeds in a spirit of comradeship
true to the highest traditions of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States of America; and
WHEREAS, An integral part of its community, the Silas A. Wainwright
VFW Post No. 6338 has brought joy to generations of area children at its
Annual Halloween Party; it has also contributed to numerous worthy local
organizations including both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America;
and
WHEREAS, The occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the
Silas A. Wainwright VFW Post No. 6338 is a time to pause and reflect on
the events it conducts in reverent tribute to the men and women who
served their country in defense of its ideals of democracy and freedom
and its continuing efforts to foster understanding of their heritage and
role in society; and
WHEREAS, Mindful of its proud and honored history, the Silas A. Wain-
wright VFW Post No. 6338 celebrates with just pride and true honor its

70th Anniversary of service to its community and the needs and values of
veterans across the State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
devoted leadership of the Post's outstanding Commanders, both present
and past, and the absolute commitment of its many proud members, noting
the role played by this exceptional organization and recognizing the
significance of the contributions and sacrifices of the membership of
the Silas A. Wainwright VFW Post No. 6338; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Silas A. Wainwright Veterans of
Foreign Wars Post No. 6338 on March 10, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Silas A. Wainwright Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No.
6338.