Senate Resolution No. 2539

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 125th Anniversary of the Pledge
of Allegiance

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and
commemorate the proud and distinguished histories of this great Empire
State; and

WHEREAS, The Pledge of Allegiance, written by Francis Bellamy in
1892, received official recognition by the United States Congress on
June 22, 1942, when it was included in the United States Flag Code and
was last amended on June 14, 1954; and

WHEREAS, Francis Bellamy is a native-son of New York being born in
the Town of Mount Morris in 1855; while not born in Rome, New York, he
was educated there and considered it home; he was entombed at Rome
Cemetery in the City of Rome in 1931, with the words of the Pledge of
Allegiance inscribed prominently on his grave marker; and

WHEREAS, The National Bellamy Award Organization was established in
1942, to honor the memory of Francis Bellamy, and to promote the ideals
embodied in the historic oath; and

WHEREAS, Spearheading a nationwide effort to commemorate the
pledge's 125th Anniversary, the National Bellamy Award Organization's
Director, Frank P. DiBerardino III, is focused on teaching young people
the significance of responsible citizenship, community service, civic
duty, volunteerism, and the impact the historic oath has had on the
social and cultural fabric of America; and

WHEREAS, The words of the Pledge of Allegiance, recognized in the
hearts of Americans throughout this vast nation, are recited, "I pledge
allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the
Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with
liberty and justice for all."; and

WHEREAS, These words express our dedication to the ideals of liberty
and justice for all and remind us that every glory we associate with the
Flag is the result of duty done; and

WHEREAS, These words serve to express our gratitude to the
generations past and present who have fought and died for this country
and to recall our obligation to preserve the freedom others have by
their sacrifice won for us; and

WHEREAS, The members of the New York State Legislature begin each
legislative session by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
joyously commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the Pledge of Allegiance;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause further to reaffirm our
commitment to the ideals of freedom, liberty and justice embodied in the
Pledge of Allegiance; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Frank P. DiBerardino III, Director, National Bellamy
Award Organization.