Assembly Resolution No. 899

BY: M. of A. Cusick

COMMENDING Loretta Brennan Glucksman upon the
occasion of her designation as Grand Marshal of the
New York City 2018 St. Patrick's Day Parade

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 Loretta Brennan Glucksman upon the occasion of her designation
as Grand Marshal of the New York City 2018 St. Patrick's Day Parade; and

WHEREAS, In acknowledgment of this most prestigious appointment,
Loretta Brennan Glucksman will have the honor of leading the 257th
consecutive New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade up Fifth Avenue on
Saturday, March 17, 2018; and

WHEREAS, New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade marched for the
first time in 1762, 14 years before the Declaration of Independence was
signed in Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; the Parade is
regarded as the most popular of all the Parades in New York City, and
honors Saint Patrick - the patron Saint of the Archdiocese of New York
and Ireland; and

WHEREAS, The New York Parade consists only of marchers and each year
hosts some 250,000 marchers and two million spectators; the Parade has
many outstanding marching bands, bagpipers in marching formations, high
school and college bands from throughout the United States and from all
over the world; and

WHEREAS, Loretta Brennan Glucksman has worked tirelessly to not only
promote Irish culture but to establish strong ties between America and
the island of Ireland; and

WHEREAS, Raised in an Irish neighborhood in Allentown, Pennsylvania,
Loretta is the granddaughter of four Irish immigrants; and

WHEREAS, An early high achiever, Loretta earned a scholarship to
study at Chestnut Hill College; she went on to marry her high school
sweetheart, Jack Cooney, and teach at Trenton State College (now The
College of New Jersey); this position offered her a chance to teach
while enrolling her three children in the school's early childhood
program; and

WHEREAS, Loretta's career changed in the early 1970s when she moved
to television, introducing a book program at the then new Trenton-based
public television station and after that a public affairs program "The
Thursday Report" which she worked on for over a decade before moving
into public relations; and

WHEREAS, It was in 1984 when Loretta, now divorced, met Lewis
Glucksman who was the head of the investment bank, Lehman Brothers;

three years later, he took her to Ireland for her very first visit which
left her overwhelmed and mesmerized; eventually, the Glucksmans bought a
home in Ireland near Cobh; sadly, Lewis passed away there in 2006; and

WHEREAS, Between 1987 and 2006, the Glucksmans made many
unforgettable contributions to Ireland and to the Irish-American
community; in 1993, Glucksman Ireland House opened at New York
University and today, Loretta is the co-Chair on Ireland House's
advisory board; and

WHEREAS, Loretta Brennan Gluckman is also Chairman of The American
Ireland Fund; she has played a key role in philanthropic efforts to
spread peace throughout the island of Ireland, including funding two
integrated schools for Catholic and Protestant children in the North;
and

WHEREAS, In addition to her work with the Fund and Glucksman Ireland
House, Loretta serves on the boards of The National Gallery of Ireland,
Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork and the Royal Irish
Academy; and

WHEREAS, In these pivotal and difficult times for Ireland, Loretta
Brennan Glucksman perseveres as a strong advocate for the country,
increasing awareness and interest in Irish history and culture
throughout the United States, and rallying much-needed support; and

WHEREAS, A fitting choice for Grand Marshal for the New York City
St. Patrick's Day Parade, Loretta Brennan Glucksman embodies the spirit
and the cherished ideals and values of Irish-Americans of this great
State and Nation; she is a steadfast champion of all things Irish and
Irish American; 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, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Loretta Brennan Glucksman upon the occasion of her designation
as Grand Marshal of the New York City 2018 St. Patrick's Day Parade; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Loretta Brennan Glucksman.