Assembly Resolution No. 83

BY: M. of A. Errigo

COMMENDING Alexander Cichelli upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition after 70
years of dedicated service to the American Legion

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
patriotic organizations and individuals who devote themselves to the
welfare of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Alexander Cichelli upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 70 years of dedicated service to the American
Legion, celebrated at a ceremony in December of 2016; and

WHEREAS, For seven decades, Alexander Cichelli has been a vital
member of the American Legion; he began his service with the now defunct
Post 955 in Retsof, New York, before joining the Carlton R. Boies Post
1007 in Leicester, New York; and

WHEREAS, Alexander Cichelli enlisted in the United State Navy as a
21-year-old in 1942, and was one of the first enlistees to be processed
through the Samson Naval Training Center in Geneva; and

WHEREAS, Alexander Cichelli completed his final training at the
Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Chicago before being stationed on
the USS Salt Lake City; he quickly rose through the ranks holding the
position of Chief Petty Officer; and

WHEREAS, Chief Petty Officer Alexander Cichelli saw significant
action aboard the USS Salt Lake City in the Pacific Theater during World
War II; he was aboard the ship during the Gilbert and Marshall Islands
campaign of late 1943 and early 1944, and participated in battles at the
Funafuti and Tarawa Atolls in the South Pacific; and

WHEREAS, In late 1944, the USS Salt Lake City was an integral part
of the Battle of Leyte Gulf which decimated Japan's naval strength; the
skirmish is widely recognized as the largest naval battle of the war;
and

WHEREAS, Chief Petty Officer Alexander Cichelli's most memorable
military experience came while the USS Salt Lake City was providing
naval support during the Battle of Iwo Jima; and

WHEREAS, Chief Petty Officer Alexander Cichelli was in charge of the
USS Salt Lake City's machine shop during normal operations but in times
of battle, he was stationed to fire control on the ship's main deck;
after the initial bombardment of Iwo Jima had concluded, the Salt Lake
City and other ships of the fleet patrolled the island while Marines
fought to retake it from the Japanese; and

WHEREAS, It was from that vantage point on the main deck and using
binoculars that Chief Petty Officer Cichelli and other shipmates were
able to see six Marines raise the American flag atop Mount Suribachi on
February 23, 1945; that image became iconic and served as the
inspiration of the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia; and

WHEREAS, After his honorable discharge in 1946, Alexander Cichelli
returned to his hometown of Retsof, and went back to work at the
International Salt Company; for the last 10 years of his career, he held
the title of Plant Manager, a position from which he retired in 1986;
and

WHEREAS, Alexander Cichelli married his high school sweetheart,
Carmel DiCarlo, and together, the couple raised two sons; after 54 years
of marriage, Carmel passed away and Alexander moved to Leicester with
his son; and

WHEREAS, For 70 years, Alexander Cichelli has distinguished himself
in service to his country and his community; it is the custom of this
Legislative Body to recognize the significance of his contributions and
to note his worthy endeavors which 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 Alexander Cichelli upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 70 years of dedicated service to the American
Legion; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Alexander Cichelli.