Senate Resolution No. 391 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING Colleen Kain Martin upon the occasion of her designation as Grand Marshal of the 2023 Utica 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 Colleen Kain Martin upon the occasion of her designation as Grand Marshal of the 2023 Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade; and WHEREAS, In acknowledgment of this most prestigious appointment, Colleen Kain Martin will have the honor of leading the Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade on Friday, March 3, 2023; and WHEREAS, The tradition of the Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade is steeped in 200 years of history, with John C. Devereux leading the first march down the Historic Brewery and Arts District of Utica; today, the Utica Parade draws around 30,000 spectators, as over 5,000 marchers from across the state step off from Oneida Square and head north to Genesee Street; and WHEREAS, The committee for this year's Utica, New York, St. Patrick's Day Parade designated Colleen Kain Martin as the highly esteemed Grand Marshal in recognition of her devotion and passion for the preservation and celebration of Irish culture in her community; and WHEREAS, A long time contributor to the Irish community, Colleen Kain Martin is the past Vice President and current member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, a Provincial Delegate of Cornhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, and local branch secretary of Craobh Dugan O'Looney; and WHEREAS, In addition, Colleen Kain Martin helped plan the annual Great American Irish Festival for many years and has also served as a longtime special events coordinator for the Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade; and WHEREAS, Active in her community, this year's Grand Marshal, Colleen Kain Martin, is a member of the Irish Cultural Center Program Development Committee, a charter member of the HARP museum, Chair of the annual ICC banquet and awards event, and is a member of the Network of Irish Cultural Centers of North America; and WHEREAS, Committee officials with the Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade say that after making the parade possible and enjoyable for so many years, it is Colleen Kain Martin's turn to lead the parade, wielding the coveted shillelagh; 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 Colleen Kain Martin upon the occasion of her designation as Grand Marshal of the 2023 Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Colleen Kain Martin.