Senate Resolution No. 578 BY: Senator MAYER HONORING Bartolomeo "Ben" A. Pirone upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition as a United States Marine Corps veteran and distinguished member of his community to be celebrated on April 1, 2023 WHEREAS, Members of the United States Armed Forces, who served so faithfully and courageously in wars in which our Nation's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace during peacetime, deserve the highest commendation of this Legislative Body; and WHEREAS, The dedication and sacrifices of our military personnel ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of democracy, and is a defender of liberty for peoples throughout the world; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Bartolomeo "Ben" A. Pirone upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition as a United States Army veteran and distinguished member of his community to be celebrated on Saturday, April 1, 2023; and WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of West Harrison, New York, Bartolomeo "Ben" A. Pirone enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1951; he proudly served his country during the Korean War for three years until his honorable discharge in 1954, during which time he achieved the esteemed rank of Sergeant, a role he took very seriously; and WHEREAS, Ben and Joan Pirone were united in marriage and together they raised two children, Patti and Brian; in addition, he is the proud and loving grandfather to three wonderful grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Through the years, Ben Pirone and his beloved wife of 65 years touched the lives of their family and many friends through the shining example of their marriage, which is a testament to the devotion and admiration they will always possess for one another; and WHEREAS, With a gift for working with his hands, upon the completion of his military service, Ben Pirone completed an apprenticeship and went on to become a master craftsman in the upholstery business; and WHEREAS, Today, 90 years young on April 5, 2023, Ben Pirone can still be found out and about in the community proudly donning his U.S. Marine Corps veteran hat; and WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who risked their lives for their beloved Nation; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad, these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit forevermore, the highest respect of their State and Nation; and WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Bartolomeo "Ben" A. Pirone upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition as a United States Marine Corps veteran and distinguished member of his community to be celebrated on April 1, 2023; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Bartolomeo "Ben" A. Pirone.