Senate Resolution No. 3953

BY: Senator GOLDEN

COMMENDING The Long Family upon the occasion of
their selection as the 2018 Irish Family of the Year
by the Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
individuals of true purpose and worthy accomplishment who work
diligently to preserve and celebrate their rich cultural heritage; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend The Long Family upon the occasion of their designation as Irish
Family of the Year by the Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee;
and

WHEREAS, In acknowledgment of this most prestigious recognition, The
Long Family will proudly march in the 25th Annual Bay Ridge St.
Patrick's Day Parade, down 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, on Sunday,
March 25, 2018; and

WHEREAS, The Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade is meant to
recognize and celebrate Irish culture, heritage and pride, for those who
have emigrated here from the Emerald Isle, the Irish-American community,
as well as those who are Irish in spirit; and

WHEREAS, In October of 1982, the Longs moved to Bay Ridge from
Cypress Hills, Brooklyn, where family patriarch, Mike, and his brother
owned and operated Long's Ice Cream Parlor for 25 years; and

WHEREAS, The Long Family, which consists of parents, Mike and Eileen
Sr., and their nine children, Michael, Matt, Jim, Robert, Eileen,
Maureen, Chris, Frank and Eddie, are a vital and treasured part of the
Bay Ridge community; and

WHEREAS, The children received a solid Catholic school education at
Archbishop Molloy High School, Bishop Ford High School, St. Saviour High
School, and Xaverian High School; after graduating, the children
attended college at either St. Francis College, Iona College, College of
Staten Island or Fordham University; and

WHEREAS, The family quickly became active participants of the Bay
Ridge community; Mike Long and his brother opened Long's Wines and
Liquors on 5th Avenue, and the family has been faithful members of
various organizations such as Bay Ridge Community Council, Holy Angels
Catholic Academy, and The Guild for Exceptional Children; and

WHEREAS, Both Mike Sr. and Eileen Long have been involved in
politics for decades; Eileen worked for the House of Representatives for
20 years, and Mike has been the Chairman of his party for 30 years; and

WHEREAS, Several members of the Long Family have been previously
honored by the Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee; in 1994,
Mike Sr. served as Grand Marshal, Eileen was a Deputy Marshal in 2004,

Rob was a 2008 Deputy Marshal, and daughter Eileen was named Deputy
Marshal in 2013; and

WHEREAS, A St. Patrick's Day Parade reflects and records the ongoing
history of the United States and Ireland, and provides an opportunity
for people of all generations to assemble in ethnic pride and pageantry;
and

WHEREAS, As a large proud Irish American family, the Longs are
honored to represent Bay Ridge in the St. Patrick's Day Parade; it is an
amazing opportunity to share their Irish pride with the entire Bay Ridge
community, a blessed pride they are happy to continue through song and
dance with the youngest members of the Long clan, 22 grandchildren and
two great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, A fitting choice for Irish Family of the Year, The Long
Family embodies the spirit and the cherished ideals and values of
Irish-Americans of this great State and Nation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend The Long Family upon the occasion of their selection as the 2018
Irish Family of the Year by the Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade
Committee; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Long Family.