Senate Resolution No. 2434 BY: Senator TEDISCO COMMENDING the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161 upon the occasion of hosting its 55th Annual Flag Day Parade on July 4, 2024 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organizations that embrace the historical significance and contributions of their localities which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161 upon the occasion of hosting its 55th Annual Flag Day Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in the City of Saratoga Springs; and WHEREAS, The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and their many lodges throughout the Nation are places where neighbors come together, families share meals, and children grow up; and WHEREAS, The Elks have been steadfast in their mission to inculcate the principles of charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its government; and WHEREAS, Prompted by an Elk's tradition, President Harry Truman, himself a member of the Elks, made the proclamation that June 14 would be designated as Flag Day, a day of national observance for the symbol of our country in the year 1949; and WHEREAS, Each year, spectators find plenty of entertainment for all ages at the Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161 Flag Day Parade, with high school and local bands, pipe bands, musical singing groups, Girl and Boy Scout Troops, youth sports groups, local and military organizations, riders on horseback, pony-drawn carriages, and numerous large trucks and military entries; and WHEREAS, The Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161 is a valuable resource to residents in Saratoga County equipped with a wonderful hall (Colonial Hall), a patio, gazebo, yard overlooking a small lake, and four bowling lanes; and WHEREAS, Under the current leadership of Exalted Ruler Kathy Jackson, the Saratoga -Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161 continues to have a positive impact on the local community as a non-profit fraternal organization dedicated to community service, veterans service, youth activities, and scholarship programs; and WHEREAS, The Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161's 55th Annual Flag Day Parade will be held in conjunction with The City of Saratoga Springs' All-American Festival, which is held each year on Independence Day; and WHEREAS, This year, past Exalted Ruler of the Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161, Tom Klotz, has been selected as the 2024 Flag Day Parade Grand Marshal for his 56 years of service with the Saratoga-Wilton Elks; and WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend cultural events which symbolize the historical, social, and cultural development of this great State and embody the spirit of the principles upon which this Nation was founded; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend the Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161 upon the occasion of host its 55th Annual Flag Day Parade on July 4, 2024; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the hierarchy of the Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161, and Grand Marshal Tom Klotz.